Friends of the Children Founder Duncan Campbell Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at National Mentoring Summit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 31, 2025

WASHINGTON, DC – Friends of the Children announced today that its founder, social entrepreneur Duncan Campbell, was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Mentoring Summit’s Excellence in Mentoring award ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 30, 2025. Campbell’s visionary leadership and lifelong dedication to improving the lives of children who have the potential to succeed while facing significant barriers has redefined the youth mentoring field in the U.S.

“More than 30 years ago, I focused on the idea that just one long-term relationship can change a child’s life for the better,” said Campbell. “I’m so humbled and honored that Friends of the Children has grown from one chapter with 24 children being served by three professional mentors in Portland, OR, in 1993 to more than 40 sites across the country serving thousands of youth in urban, suburban, rural, and Indigenous communities.”

Friends of the Children was founded in 1993 and employs full-time, professional mentors—called Friends—who commit to each child for 12+ years, no matter what. What began as a small organization in Portland, Ore. has now reached over 16,000 children and families in 42 locations nationwide, raising millions of dollars to scale its innovative approach to breaking cycles of generational poverty. It is the first and only long-term, professional mentoring program in the U.S.

“Duncan Campbell’s vision and determination have changed the trajectory of thousands of young lives toward hope and opportunities for successful futures,” said U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). “Friends of the Children exemplifies what happens when innovation meets compassion. I am proud to call Duncan my friend. And all of Oregon is proud to call him one of our own.”

Under Campbell’s leadership, Friends of the Children has demonstrated that fostering a stable, nurturing relationship with a caring adult can effectively address societal challenges like foster care intervention and childhood trauma.

“Duncan Campbell’s unwavering commitment to mentoring young Americans has set a standard for organizations nationwide and reminds us that addressing society’s biggest challenges begins with kindness, support, and long-term investment in our children,” said U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). “This lifetime achievement award is a testament to the incredible work he has done through Friends of the Children, and I look forward to witnessing the organization’s impact for years to come.”

Campbell’s influence extends beyond Friends of the Children. As a social entrepreneur, he has founded multiple organizations dedicated to the well-being of children and families, including the nationally recognized Children’s Institute. His work has earned national recognition, including Civic Venture’s Purpose Prize, and his commitment to education has left a legacy at institutions such as the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and Portland State University.

Friends of the Children has gained the attention of high-profile philanthropists and foundations, including its national ambassador, World Champion Gymnast and youth advocate Simone Biles, philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, basketball legend Michael Jordan, Ballmer Group, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, Why Not You Foundation, and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

“Duncan Campbell’s continued contributions to the youth mentoring field cannot be overstated,” said Jermaine Myrie, CEO of MENTOR -- the national nonprofit organization that hosts the annual summit in Washington, D.C. “His visionary leadership and deep commitment to youth inspired the nation’s first and only long-term, professional mentoring program. This prestigious recognition honors his profound impact and transformative contributions to the field.”

Friends of the Children’s model, now in its 31st year, demonstrates real outcomes: 92% of graduates go on to enroll in post-secondary education, serve our country or enter the workforce, 83% of youth obtain a high school diploma or GED, 93% remain free from juvenile justice system involvement, and 98% wait to parent until after their teen years.

“Duncan’s vision has inspired a national movement,” said Terri Sorensen, National CEO of Friends of the Children. “The impact of his dream—proven by decades of data—shows that when we invest in youth with great potential, we create ripple effects for generations to come.”

Despite the accolades, Campbell insists there is much more to do. “Even at this stage of my life, I’m still dreaming, still throwing out ideas,” said Campbell. The organization says that as Friends of the Children continues to expand its reach, Campbell’s legacy as a dreamer, innovator, and advocate for children will undoubtedly inspire generations to come. Read Friends of the Children’s annual report here.

View a digital media kit photos from the ceremony here.

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About Friends of the Children
Friends of the Children is a national nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty by empowering youth who face the greatest obstacles. Through long-term, salaried, professional mentoring—12+ years, no matter what—we create lasting impact for children and families. Operating in 42 locations across the country, our innovative model has earned national recognition and been featured in The New York Times, Associated Press, People.com, CNN, USA Today and The L.A. Times. Visit friendsofthechildren.org to learn more, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Contact:
Ariane Le Chevallier

ariane@lechevallierstrategies.com

971-201-1214