We impact generational change by providing children facing the greatest obstacles with a long-term, salaried, professional mentor, who who we call a “Friend,” from age 4 through high school graduation – 12+ years, no matter what. Friends – Phoenix was founded in 2022 to work specifically with children in the Phoenix area. We hire and train paid, professional mentors—called “Friends”—to help childr
en build the skills, goals, and relationships they need to succeed in life. We will provide a child in kindergarten or 1st grade with a trained, Professional Mentor—called a “Friend”—to help them develop academic, social, and life skills. No matter what. A Friend will help each child set goals and create an individualized road map for achieving their dreams. The child and their Friend will spend up to four hours per week together building a relationship and making progress toward their goals. Activities will occur in the community, at our clubhouse, or in their school. Additionally, our evidence-based two-generation (2Gen) approach positively impacts the entire family system, empowering caregivers to address their own needs and trauma while also learning to promote their child’s learning and healthy social, emotional, and physical development. Friends support caregivers in improving their parenting skills by helping them understand their child’s needs and strengths through Core Asset development. Friends empower caregiver voice through self-advocacy as they support them to navigate complex systems.
