Friends of the Children

November is National Caregivers Month! At Friends of the Children, we are honoring the dedication and resilience of caregivers who give their all for their families. We know the incredible impact caregivers have on youth, which is why we embrace a two-generation approach in our model. Through 12+ years of mentoring, we empower both youth and their caregivers by fostering long-term, trusting relationships that spark generational change. Caregivers tell us that having someone believe in their power and potential makes all the difference. By supporting both youth and caregivers, we help families thrive together. When caregivers succeed, children succeed—and vice versa. This National Family Caregivers Month, we celebrate the power and contributions of caregivers in shaping brighter futures for their families! Learn more about our 2Gen approach, here: https://bit.ly/41CXcNS

Happy Thanksgiving! From all of us at Friends of the Children, we want to share our genuine appreciate for you. Without your support, we couldn't walk alongside youth for 12+ years, no matter what. We know you have many opportunities to make a difference - thank you for being part of the Friends of the Children community.

This season, your support can change a child's story! Help Friends of the Children provide long-term, professional mentoring that empower youth to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. Together, we can make a lasting impact. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4g3I6H9 Any donation you make between now and December 31st will be TRIPLED!

For Freddi, Friends of the Children was much more than a mentoring program: her Friends, Jamali, Keidera, and Alicia, would help transform her life—supporting her as she navigated school and life over the next 12 years. While in high school, her Friends helped her enroll in college classes in the city. She later graduated from Syracuse University, where she earned her economics degree. Now living in Atlanta and working as a successful event planner, Freddi has a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to pay it forward. The lessons learned, the goals set, and the exposure to diverse cultures enriched her life and inspired her to contribute to the empowerment of others. Whether it’s raising funds for young girls in Zimbabwe or participating in mentoring programs, Freddi has a profound understanding of the power of one-to-one mentorship. Read more about Freddi's story here: https://bit.ly/3Z1KGXh

A very warm welcome to the newest member of the Friends of the Children - National team! We are thrilled to have Kevin Watson as our Chief Expansion Officer – Central and Eastern Regions. Kevin began his journey with Friends of the Children as a Friend, long-term professional mentor, in the New York chapter in 2017. In Kevin's new role, he will drive our organization’s mission forward, focusing on expanding and strengthening the impact in new regions. We asked Kevin about working at Friends of the Children and he said: "What truly inspires me is being part of an organization that has devoted over 12 years to supporting not just the children but also their families. It's heartwarming to see three of my mentees from the program starting their journey as college freshmen this year; it’s a beautiful reminder of the profound difference we can make in their lives. Now, as I join the national team, I am eager to share the transformative power of mentorship with even more people, helping them navigate their paths with support and guidance."

Friends of the Children - Colorado Springs' Tales for Tails program was recently highlighted by KKTV! The feature showcases the heartwarming literacy program where children can build their confidence in reading with the help of friendly, supportive therapy dogs. Check out the full story here: https://bit.ly/3Ocv7XI

Friends of the Children's November newsletter is here! We’re celebrating Friends of the Children’s 30th anniversary, Native American Heritage Month, and highlighting the incredible journeys of alumni like Truett and Tah-Jae. Plus, check out the HeART of the Children, a new book showcasing over 400 inspiring youth art projects from across our national network. Don't miss these powerful stories and learn how you can help us empower more youth and families to reach their dreams. To read the November newsletter, please click here: https://bit.ly/3OmsZfS

Join us for an online learning event in recognition of National Native American Heritage Month! This is a time to celebrate the diverse traditions, languages, stories, and achievements of Native American, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian peoples. In a conversation with Native advocate and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Suzan Shown Harjo, we will reflect on some of the most pressing issues facing Indian Country, including Native rights, Tribal sovereignty, repatriation, and the harm of stereotypes, mascots, and cultural appropriation. Indigenous Peoples: Myths, Misconceptions, and Realities Tuesday, November 26, 2024 10:00am PDT / 11:00am MDT / 12:00pm CDT / 1:00pm EDT   Register now: https://bit.ly/3CwdKP5

Meet Taj, a motor transport mechanic stationed in Okinawa, Japan, with the U.S. Marines. Taj’s journey with Friends of the Children began in kindergarten, and for 12 transformative years, his mentors helped guide him through life’s toughest choices, setting him on a path of purpose. Growing up as an only child to hardworking parents, Taj faced challenges and struggled to find his own identity. Taj’s Friend, Darren, opened doors and introduced him to new experiences, and Taj credits to helping him discover confidence to shape his future. Taj’s story is a powerful reminder of how mentorship changes lives. Read more about his story here: https://bit.ly/3UT8ECB

November is Native American Heritage Month! At Friends of the Children, we are proud to honor and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native and Indigenous peoples. This month, we recognize the resilience, strength, and enduring legacy of Native communities, including our partnerships with Sovereign Tribal Nations such as the Oglala Lakota Nation, the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes, and the Klamath Tribes. We continue to nurture our work with Indigenous communities through existing chapters, including Eastern Idaho, Eastern Montana, Fargo-Moorhead, and the Twin Cities. With your support, we aim to expand our program to 25 states and Sovereign Tribal Nations by 2025 to provide 12+ years of no matter what support for youth and families across the country.