Simone Biles Presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom

On July 7th, President Biden presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to Simone Biles. She is the youngest person ever – at 25 years old - to receive the honor and to be recognized not only for her talents as an incredible athlete, but also as a proud advocate of mental health and for empowering children experiencing foster care.

President Biden praised Simone for her courage "to turn personal pain into a greater purpose, to stand up and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves." Friends of the Children is honored to witness her passion and courage first-hand as she has teamed up with us over the years to help change the way people view and engage with youth and families with incredible potential and who experience challenges, like foster care and mental health.

Congratulations to Simone from all of us at Friends of the Children!