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.

School’s out and summer is officially on ☀️Did you know our mentoring program runs all year long? If you’ve been thinkin...
05/28/2026

School’s out and summer is officially on ☀️

Did you know our mentoring program runs all year long? If you’ve been thinking about becoming a mentor, consider this your sign to get started! Summer is the perfect time to be matched with an elementary-aged youth—just four hours a month, on a schedule that works for you.

From park days to ice cream trips, summer is filled with simple moments that can make a lasting impact. And by the time the new school year begins, you’ll already have a meaningful connection built.

Have questions? Call or text 308-236-2036, or fill out a quick application below ⬇️

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7732839/Big-Friend-Application

05/27/2026

Free Breakfast and Lunch Starts Monday!

One of our Kearney school-based matches spent time earlier this month decorating flower pots to gift to the Little Frien...
05/21/2026

One of our Kearney school-based matches spent time earlier this month decorating flower pots to gift to the Little Friend’s mom for Mother’s Day! 🌸💚

We think they turned out absolutely perfect. Such a thoughtful and fun activity that made for a meaningful way to celebrate someone special!

05/18/2026

Our Pleasanton school-based program wrapped up the year with one final match activity as Bigs and Littles got creative and headed out on a “bear” hunt together! 🐻💚

Thank you, Pleasanton, for another wonderful year of mentoring, connection, and friendship. We’re grateful for all of our Bigs, Littles, and supporters, and we look forward to welcoming a new group of matches this fall!

Congratulations to Big Friend Maizy on her high school graduation! 🎓💙One of the sweetest moments of graduation season wa...
05/16/2026

Congratulations to Big Friend Maizy on her high school graduation! 🎓💙

One of the sweetest moments of graduation season was when her Little Friend, Eliana, got to watch Maizy walk the halls of her elementary school during Kearney High’s graduation tradition. Eliana was also invited to celebrate at Maizy’s graduation reception, making the day even more special for these two.

We’re especially excited that Maizy plans to attend University of Nebraska at Kearney this fall, which means this incredible match will continue as she begins her college journey. We can’t wait to see their friendship keep growing!

Last week, our Kearney matches came together for our annual year-end celebration! While it was a joyful evening filled w...
05/15/2026

Last week, our Kearney matches came together for our annual year-end celebration! While it was a joyful evening filled with connection and memories, it was also bittersweet as several matches prepare for closure due to moves, graduations, and changing schedules.

It has been an honor to support these friendships and witness the impact they’ve made in each other’s lives. We are incredibly grateful for the time, dedication, and care our Big Friends have poured into their Little Friends throughout their matches. 💚

Big Friends- Free webinar next week!
05/14/2026

Big Friends- Free webinar next week!

🎉 Meet the facilitators for our upcoming virtual training, Becoming a Better Mentor: Making Room for Fun and Play.

Join us on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 PM CT for an engaging session on how fun and play can strengthen mentoring relationships, build trust, and create meaningful connection with young people. 🤝✨

We’re excited to feature Melissa Westbrook and Victoria Drake, whose experience and insight will guide this interactive conversation.

💻 Virtual via Zoom
Register today: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ReKcMJFtRTW1bOdGVV9UfQ #/registration

05/13/2026

KPR Staff is busy getting ready for fun in the sun! Our intent is to have the splashpads operational next week!!! 🪣🌊🌞

✨ May is always a bittersweet time in our mentoring program. As the school year comes to a close, we say goodbye to some...
05/12/2026

✨ May is always a bittersweet time in our mentoring program. As the school year comes to a close, we say goodbye to some matches due to moves, graduations, and changing schedules. But with those goodbyes also come exciting new beginnings!

We’re thrilled to introduce one of our newest matches as they kick off the summer, building a meaningful friendship through mentoring and exploring all the fun opportunities Kearney has to offer.

A huge thank you to Madison for choosing to invest her time, kindness, and support as a Big Friend. We can’t wait to watch this match grow together this summer! 😎💚

05/08/2026

Happy Graduation Day to several of our incredible Big Friends! 🎓 We are so proud of your hard work, dedication, and perseverance in earning your degrees while also showing up as consistent, caring role models for your Little Friends. Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things ahead for each of you! 💙💛

Address

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

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