How do you break the cycle of generational poverty? It takes a courageous and proven model.
How It Works
12+ YEARS
No Matter What

Impacting generational change by empowering youth who are facing the greatest obstacles through relationships with professional mentors.

Power One SPOTLIGHT

POWER OF ONE

One Child. One Friend. 12+ Years, No Matter What.
Learn More

Impacting generational change by empowering youth who are facing the greatest obstacles through relationships with professional mentors.

 
Meet Karrie Schaaf
 
New York Times Spotlights Friends of the Children in Simone Biles Feature

OUR METHOD

We select children who face multiple systemic obstacles. We amplify their voices as they write their own stories of hope and resilience.

OUR MODEL

We commit to each child for the long-term. 12+ years, no matter what. Each child is paired with a paid professional mentor called a Friend.

Our Outcomes

92%
of youth go on to enroll in post-secondary education, serve our country or enter the workforce.
83%
of youth earn a high school diploma or a GED.
93%
of youth remain free from juvenile justice system involvement.
98%
of youth wait to parent until after their teen years.

Friends of the Children Coachella Valley acknowledges the Cahuilla People who first lived in the Coachella Valley, who are the first stewards of the land and whose descendants reside here today. We occupy a space where Indigenous People gathered and built community. Friends of the Children Coachella Valley hopes the intentional work we are doing in Coachella Valley honors those who came before us.