U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden Joins Friends of the Children for Roundtable on National Center of Excellence for Professional Mentoring

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden recently joined Friends of the Children leaders to discuss the upcoming National Center of Excellence for Professional Mentoring, located in Portland’s historic Albina neighborhood. The Center, partially funded by a Congressionally Directed Spending award of $850,000, will serve as a national hub for innovation in professional mentoring.

The roundtable included Friends of the Children founders Duncan and Cindy Campbell, National CEO Terri Sorensen, Friends - Portland Executive Director Traci Rossi, former City Councilmember and Friends - National Board Member Dan Saltzman, and other leaders and staff. Senator Wyden praised our successful mentoring model, which has expanded to 41 locations nationwide, saying, “This federal investment will help ensure that youth facing immense barriers can benefit from Friends of the Children’s proven mentoring model.”

The National Center of Excellence will provide training, technical assistance, and resources to advance professional mentoring across the country. It will also feature a Professional Mentoring Certificate Program.

Friends – Portland Executive Director Traci Rossi highlighted the Center’s significance for the local community, calling it a space of hope, innovation, and opportunity. National CEO Terri Sorensen emphasized the importance of expanding the model nationwide, ensuring more youth can experience the support of a Friend who walks alongside them for 12+ years, no matter what. The Center is expected to open in 2026.

To read more about Senator Wyden’s visit and about the National Center of Excellence, please click here.