Friends of the Children - Philadelphia

Friends of the Children - Philadelphia Impacting generational change by pairing youth with paid, professional mentors. Our model is distinct, courageous and proven. This is at the core of what we do.

Friends of the Children–Philadelphia is part of a national network of Friends of the Children chapters across the United States. Friends of the Children connects children – all of whom have unique talents – to a paid, professional mentor called a Friend. We hire and train Friends whose full-time jobs are to support our youth to succeed, despite the extremely challenging situations most experience, from as early as age 4 through high school graduation – 12+ years, no matter what. We revolutionized the youth mentoring field by creating the first and only long-term professional mentoring program in the country. We are experts in building sustained and nurturing relationships with youth. Each child gets a dedicated, one-on-one Friend who listens to their hopes and dreams. Friends empower our youth to set – and achieve – their goals. Friends also create meaningful experiences that empower youth to build life skills and make healthy choices while exploring the child's diverse talents and interests. Our model is real, and it works.

Future D1 athlete?👀🏈Justin sees it. Kareem* was paired with Justin, a salaried professional mentor we call a Friend, mor...
10/08/2026

Future D1 athlete?👀🏈

Justin sees it.

Kareem* was paired with Justin, a salaried professional mentor we call a Friend, more than a year ago.

As Kareem’s passion for football grew, Justin helped him find his spot on a team and has continued coaching and encouraging him.

Now Kareem steps onto that field with confidence, and his conversations with Justin keep motivating him to grow. This season, he’s been putting in the work, practicing every single day since August.

“So happy I get to be part of his journey. He’s special,” Justin says.

*Youth name changed for privacy.

10/01/2026

When Chris* first met his Friend, Mr. Kevin, he didn't like going to the library. Now, he looks forward to their visits and picking out a favorite book to read out loud. This time, he chose Spider-Man. "He's growing more confident with every book he reads," Kevin says. And just listen to him go!

*Youth name changed for privacy

Nothing says fall quite like picking out pumpkins.🎃 Kevin and Jared* spent the afternoon at the orchard, finding their f...
09/29/2026

Nothing says fall quite like picking out pumpkins.🎃 Kevin and Jared* spent the afternoon at the orchard, finding their favorites and taking in all the sights along the way.

*Youth name changed for privacy

Candice* and her new Friend, Toni, spent some time at the community park, talking and playing on the swings. While there...
09/17/2026

Candice* and her new Friend, Toni, spent some time at the community park, talking and playing on the swings. While there, they stopped to watch a field hockey team practicing, and Candice was really interested in the action. Part of Toni's job is noticing what makes youth light up, and she's already thinking about how they could explore that interest together.

*Youth name changed to protect privacy

We recently asked our Friends to nominate a colleague who goes out of their way for the youth they mentor. And we’re pro...
09/15/2026

We recently asked our Friends to nominate a colleague who goes out of their way for the youth they mentor. And we’re proud to share that Kevin was selected as this year's “Youth Champion,” with Tanya as runner-up.

Kevin's colleagues wrote about the way he brings whole families into the work, making sure caregivers feel appreciated and that siblings who aren't in the program still feel "welcomed, valued and included."

Tanya was recognized for the thought she puts into her time with the girls, and for the way she kept checking in even after one of them moved away. As one of her colleagues put it, "You can tell how much they love and trust her."

Along with the recognition, Kevin and Tanya each won tickets to the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, where they spent a fun day with their youth.

Congratulations to you both! The consistency your colleagues wrote about is what 12+ years, no matter what, looks like day to day.

09/02/2026

Alberto* and his Friend, Mr. Justin, faced off in a little friendly competition at Dave & Buster's! 🏀 Alberto brought his A-game, and Mr. Justin matched his energy shot for shot, trading tips on staying focused and keeping your head in the game.

*Youth name changed to protect privacy.

The student became the teacher! Kobe* was all smiles as he gave his professional mentor, John, a crash course in Pokémon...
08/31/2026

The student became the teacher!

Kobe* was all smiles as he gave his professional mentor, John, a crash course in Pokémon and showed off some of his favorite cards. Looks like John may have a lot of studying to do! 😄

*Youth name changed to protect privacy.

08/27/2026

“Best day ever!” 🐷🐐

That’s just one of the ways youth described our day camp at Camino Farms!

We wrapped up summer with animal therapy, swimming, soccer, and nonstop fun. No one wanted to leave, and we’re already counting down to next year!

Outings like this are more than fun. They introduce youth to places and activities they might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience, sparking curiosity, building confidence, and strengthening connections with their Friends and one another.

We’re so grateful to the amazing Camino Farms staff for making the day so special! 💛

Just look at those smiles! Our youth kicked off a brand-new school year this morning, and their Friends were right ther...
08/24/2026

Just look at those smiles! Our youth kicked off a brand-new school year this morning, and their Friends were right there to make the first day extra special. 🎒✨

Each child got a little something chosen just for them. Ms. Toni wrote personalized affirmation notes. Ms. Tanya gave her girls pink pens with an eye on top, a playful reminder that she’ll be looking out for them all year. Mr. Justin and Mr. John brought cheerful first-day cards for the boys.

Long after the first-day excitement settles, Friends will keep showing up in and out of school, helping youth work toward academic goals, navigate challenges, and celebrate their successes.

Here’s to all the ways they'll shine this year! ✏️📚✨

08/18/2026

Give Melissa* a classic MJ beat and watch what happens! 💃 A candid moment captured by her Friend, Ms. Tanya, this is what finding your spark looks like in real time. ✨

*Youth name changed to protect privacy

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Philadelphia, PA

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