Friends of the Children – Phoenix

The mission of Friends of the Children – Phoenix is to impact generational change by empowering youth who are facing the greatest obstacles through relationships with professional mentors for 12+ years, no matter what. To achieve our mission, we identify kindergartners who are experiencing poverty and trauma, and who are at the highest risk of involvement in the child welfare system. Once enrolled in our program, each child is supported year-round by a highly-trained, professional—not volunteer—mentor called a Friend. Our Friends work with their youth to create and reach short- and long-term academic and prosocial development goals, from kindergarten through high school graduation. 12+ years, no matter what!

Six program features distinguish Friends of the Children's evidence-based program model:

(1) We identify and serve children challenged by numerous risk factors, such as exposure to domestic or community violence, parental incarceration, and substance use in the home;
(2) We hire full-time, trained professional mentors, called Friends, who have a strong understanding of youth development, and the skills and knowledge to work with children and families who have experienced significant trauma;
(3) We start working with children when they are in kindergarten and commit to them for 12+ years;
(4) We are involved in all facets of a child's life, at home, at school, and in the community;
(5) We develop trusting relationships with parents/caregivers, empowering them to address their own needs, and partner in their child's learning and healthy development; and
(6) We are part of a national network with more than three decades of experience and a commitment to long-term, external evaluation.

Our vision is that one day all children in Phoenix will have a long-term, consistent relationship with a caring adult who believes in them. Thank you for supporting this shared vision during Arizona Gives 2026!