The Friends Program of Kearney

The Friends Program of Kearney Our mission is to promote the personal development of youth through positive one-on-one role modeling.

We offer community-based and school-based mentoring programs where K-5th graders are matched to high school or college students and community adults. OUR MISSION
To promote personal development of youth through positive one on one role modeling. OUR VISION
The Friends Program supports the power of volunteerism through friendships between adults and elementary
school age children. The program provi

des the opportunity for Adult Friends to develop leadership and
communication skills and for Little Friends to experience and develop healthy relationships. OUR CORE VALUES
• Educational Success
• Healthy Relationships
• Greater Confidence
• Stronger Communication Skills
OUR CULTURE
We are committed to providing a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment where all people feel empowered
and respected. OUR COMMITMENTS
• Welcome all youth, families and potential volunteers of all races, gender identities, and sexual orientations
into our program.
• Work to ensure that our community partners, sponsors and donors align with our core values and culture.
• Provide support to Big and Little Friends (Matches) with conversations, education, resources, and training
from the initial inquiry into the program until the conclusion of the Match.

🎉 We have another new match to celebrate! 🎉These two recently met for the first time, and we’re so excited to see this f...
09/04/2026

🎉 We have another new match to celebrate! 🎉

These two recently met for the first time, and we’re so excited to see this friendship begin. From getting to know each other to finding things they enjoy doing together, we know there are lots of fun memories ahead!

We’re so happy to welcome this new match to The Friends Program and can’t wait to see where their mentoring friendship takes them.

Here’s to new friendships, new adventures, and lots of good times together! 💚

We're celebrating a match that has been going strong for the past four years! 💚Little Friend Arijana and Big Friend Aria...
09/01/2026

We're celebrating a match that has been going strong for the past four years! 💚

Little Friend Arijana and Big Friend Ariana were matched in August of 2022, and over the past four years, they've built a really special friendship. They've gone on countless adventures, made so many memories, and been there for each other through all of life's ups and downs.

It's pretty amazing to see how much a friendship can grow when you simply keep showing up. We're so grateful for the time, laughter, and memories these two have shared—and excited to see what the next four years bring! 🎉

Get your tickets to this exciting event happening on Saturday!
08/25/2026

Get your tickets to this exciting event happening on Saturday!

BBQ on the Bricks is only days away!

We are busy planning a super full day, and you won't want to miss a thing!
We've got Plant Bingo, Co****le, Market on 24th, BBQ and Trivia!

Get your tickets online before prices go up! uwka.org/bbq-bricks

We are looking forward to the Blue Gold Showcase TODAY from 5-8pm at the University of Nebraska at Kearney! Stop by our ...
08/21/2026

We are looking forward to the Blue Gold Showcase TODAY from 5-8pm at the University of Nebraska at Kearney! Stop by our booth in front of Nester, spin our prize wheel, and learn how you can get involved with The Friends Program of Kearney! Go Lopes 💙💛

08/19/2026

The countdown is on! BBQ on the Bricks is coming up on August 29, and we hope you'll join us for a day of food, fun, and community impact.

Whether you're attending, competing, volunteering, or cheering on your favorite team, you'll be helping support programs that strengthen lives across our six-county service area.

Bring your friends, share this post, and help us spread the word. Together, Everyone Thrives.

Learn more at www.uwka.org/bbq-bricks.

We’re so happy to be part of welcoming all the new educators joining the Kearney area! We hope you have a wonderful scho...
08/18/2026

We’re so happy to be part of welcoming all the new educators joining the Kearney area! We hope you have a wonderful school year and know how much we appreciate the important work you do for our community and its students. 💚

The Business & Education Committee of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to extending a warm welcome to all new faculty in Kearney.

Do you…✅ Like helping others?✅ Want to make a difference?✅ Have a few hours each month to volunteer?You don’t have to be...
08/13/2026

Do you…

✅ Like helping others?
✅ Want to make a difference?
✅ Have a few hours each month to volunteer?

You don’t have to be perfect—you just need to show up consistently. We’ll help you with the rest! Big Friends receive training, ongoing 24/7 support, and access to Friends Program activities, events, and more.

There are K-5th grade Little Friends currently waiting for a mentor, and now is the perfect time to become a Big Friend!

Ready to make a difference in a child’s life? Visit friendsprogram.net to complete our short application and take the first step toward becoming a Big Friend. 💚

Back-to-school means new routines, new opportunities, and a chance to make a lasting impact.

By becoming a mentor, you can help a young person start the school year with confidence and support.

Find the mentoring program that's right for you and get involved today at www.mentornebraska.org/become-a-mentor/ 💙

08/13/2026

School may be back in session but it still feels like summer outside! Come cool off after school until August 23 at Harmon Pool. 🌊☀️

August 13-August 23
Monday-Friday 4:30-7:30pm
Saturday & Sunday 1:00-7:00pm

Centennial Pool- Closed for 2026

There’s still time to register your child for a winter coat. Follow United Way of the Kearney Area’s page to learn about...
08/12/2026

There’s still time to register your child for a winter coat. Follow United Way of the Kearney Area’s page to learn about registration details. 💚

Address

904 E. 25th Street Unit B
Kearney, NE
68847

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Friends Program of Kearney posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share