Friends of the Children

Friends of the Children is a national nonprofit that pairs youth facing serious obstacles with a paid professional mentor called a Friend, beginning as early as age 4 and continuing through high school graduation. Each child gets a dedicated one-on-one Friend who helps set and reach goals and plans experiences that build life skills and explore the child's interests. The organization was founded in Portland in 1993 by Duncan and Cindy Campbell.

The commitment lasts 12 or more years, no matter what, and that long-term relationship is the core of the program. The organization reports that 92% of its youth go on to post-secondary education, military service or the workforce, and 90% earn a high school diploma or GED. Its Portland office is on Northeast Morris Street in the Northeast Portland neighborhood.