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Empowering Families for Generational Change

At Friends of the Children - Coachella Valley, we believe that every child deserves a champion, someone who listens, cares, and supports them through life's challenges. For over 30 years, Friends of the Children has been revolutionizing the way youth facing great obstacles are supported through our unique, proven, and courageous professional mentoring model. Each child, starting as young as age 4, is paired with a dedicated mentor - called a Friend - who stays with them through high school graduation, 12+ years, no matter what.

Our mentoring program is designed to uplift youth and families to create lasting change.

Here is how we do it:

  • Professional Mentoring: We've revolutionized the youth mentoring field with the first and only long-term professional mentoring program in the country. Our mentors are trained professionals who provide dedicated, one-on-one support to youth, empowering them to set and achieve their goals.
  • Two-Generation Approach: We understand that supporting youth also means supporting their caregivers. Our two-generation approach empowers caregivers to meet their own goals and reach their full potential. We support caregivers to understand their child's needs and strengths, equipping them with social and emotional learning skills and promoting self-advocacy within complex systems.
  • Impactful Results: Caregivers have reported stronger family relationships, improved understanding of how to support their child’s success, and connections to vital resources that enrich and stabilize their families.

Supporting Healthy Families

Sign up for our email list to stay connected and learn how you can empower families with big dreams who also face obstacles like foster care, poverty, housing insecurity, and more. Together, we can support youth, strengthen families, and create a brighter future for generations to come.