Friends of the Children
Non-profit OrganizationsOregon, United States201-500 Employees
Founded in 1993 in Portland, Oregon, by Duncan Campbell, Friends of the Children began with three professional mentors and 24 children and has since grown into a national nonprofit with a broad network across the United States. The organization pairs children—specifically those in foster care or in high-poverty schools—with a salaried mentor called a Friend, who stays with the child from kindergarten through high school graduation, spanning more than 12 years. Based in Portland, the nonprofit emphasizes long-term, relationship-based support to youth. Independent evaluations report strong outcomes: 83% graduate high school or earn a GED; 93% avoid juvenile justice involvement; 98% delay parenting until after their teen years; and 92% enroll in post-secondary education, military service, or the workforce. In 2026, the organization formed a grant partnership with the National Football League's Inspire Change program, reflecting ongoing collaboration with broader communities. The nonprofit operates nationwide, maintaining a long-running mentorship model across locations rather than episodic interventions.
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