In 1993, Duncan Campbell redefined youth mentoring by launching the nation’s first and only long-term professional youth mentoring program: Friends of the Children. For more than three decades, Friends of the Children has been a catalyst for generational change, empowering youth facing the greatest obstacles through relationships with paid, professional youth mentors – called Friends – who walk alongside them and their families from 4-6 years old through high school graduation – 12+ years, no matter what.
What began in Portland has grown into a powerful national movement with nearly 50 Friends of the Children sites across the country – and growing global interest. Our experience as the longest standing organization with professional youth mentors shows that young people with a professional mentor experience improved well-being, more success in school, improved family stability, and less systems-involvement.
Establishing Oregon as the global hub for advancing the field of professional youth mentoring, the Center will serve as an access point for communities to develop their own mentors to a professional level and meet the ever-changing needs of children and families.