Friends of the Children Celebrates 25th Anniversary in 2018

by Elisa Klein | Jan 6, 2018 | Events, Features, News

Portland, OR. It’s going to be a big year for the nonprofit, Friends of the Children. In 1993, the organization opened its doors with three friends serving 24 children. Friends of the Children has grown to employ hundreds of people who serve thousands of children in cities including Boston, New York, Seattle, Portland, Klamath Falls, Tampa Bay, and Cornwall (UK). Its mission is to provide vulnerable children a nurturing and sustained relationship with a professional mentor who teaches positive values and has attainable expectations for each child to become a healthy, productive member of the community. 

The program has many successful participants like Jonae Phillips. She started in kindergarten and is currently a senior at De La Salle North Catholic High School.

Jonae Phillips writes, “Since kindergarten, I have been able to do some amazing things with Friends of the Children, including white water kayaking, attending career fairs and visiting different work places, participating in the Seattle to Portland bike ride, volunteering, and tutoring. These experiences have had a huge impact on me and informed the person I am today. I have transformed from a shy, closed girl into a young lady who is outgoing and adventurous. I am really involved in sports, community events, school activities, church, and much more.”

Friends of the Children employs and trains salaried, professional mentors called Friends. Moving mentorship out of the volunteer realm is a key component of getting the quality, consistency and commitment that children need. Several Friends have been with the program for 20 years; the average tenure is over 7 years.

Friends of the Children commits to every child for the long term, from kindergarten through high school graduation. 12 ½ years. No matter what.

Duncan Campbell is the founder of Friends of the Children.

Duncan Campbell grew up in a low-income neighborhood with a tumultuous family life. After finding success in business he wanted to help kids who grew up in environments like his. In 1992, The Campbell Institute for Children, founded by Duncan, conducted extensive research to determine the most effective program model to help young children overcome their high-risk status and realize their inherent resilience and potential. The research clearly indicated that the strongest single protective factor a child can have is a close, healthy and sustained relationship with a caring adult, especially an adult who has positive expectations for the child and involves him or her in meaningful activities.

Duncan established Friends of the Children in 1993 in his old neighborhood. Now it’s time to celebrate the Friends of the Children 25th anniversary.

Here’s a list of the 2018 events:

Bowl-a-Thon  |  February 10, 2018

Classic Wines Auction  |  March 3, 2018

Friend Raiser  |  May 10, 2018

25th Anniversary Party  |  Fall 2018

25th Holidays with the Trail Band  |  December 14-16

Here’s a video about the program:

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