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Friends of the Children - Phoenix

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United States
Phoenix, AZ
Friends of the Children - Phoenix

Friends of the Children is a national network of chapters with 30 years of experience working with youth. We stay with them through graduation. 12+ years.

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.

08/14/2026

🍫✨ From cocoa beans to sweet treats, learning has never been so delicious!

Recently, several Friends - Phoenix youth had the opportunity to experience a behind-the-scenes chocolate and candy tour, discovering how their favorite treats are made from start to finish at Cerreta Candy Co. Along the way, they explored new ideas, asked thoughtful questions, and experienced something many had never had the chance to do before.

At Friends – Phoenix, we believe new experiences help youth expand their horizons, discover new interests, and see what's possible for their futures. And yes—the delicious chocolate samples at the end were the perfect finishing touch! 🍬💙

Thank you to everyone who helped make this memorable experience possible!

08/13/2026

✏️ New pencils, fresh notebooks and backpacks ready to go — thanks to our friends at Arizona Central Credit Union! 🎒💙

We’re incredibly grateful for their generous support of our Back-to-School Supply Drive, helping make sure Friends – Phoenix youth have the tools they need to head back to the classroom ready to learn and take on a new year.

And this isn’t the first time Arizona Central Credit Union has shown up for our youth. Their ongoing support of Friends – Phoenix is a wonderful example of what it looks like when community partners invest in children for the long haul.

Thank you, Arizona Central Credit Union, for continuing to be in our corner — and in the corner of our youth and families!

08/10/2026

Through all the challenges that life brings, one thing stays the same: a Friend.

Our commitment lasts from kindergarten through high school graduation because every child deserves someone who won't walk away when life gets difficult. That's what "No Matter What" means. 💙

08/07/2026

☀️💦 A day at the pool is more than just fun—it's an opportunity that many of our youth wouldn't experience without their Friend.

From building confidence in the water to making summer memories filled with laughter, these moments remind our youth that they're cared for, encouraged, and deserving of new opportunities. It's all part of the consistent, caring relationships that help children discover new possibilities and simply enjoy being kids.

08/05/2026

Our mentors aren't volunteers. They're full-time professionals dedicated to helping children succeed.

Every Friend spends 4 hours each week with every child, building trust, celebrating milestones, navigating challenges, and showing up no matter what. That consistency creates the kind of relationships that help children build confidence and resilience for years to come. 💙

08/03/2026

How do dinosaurs get ready to go back to school? 🦖📚

By reading all about it, of course!

Friends - Phoenix youth and Professional Mentors had a blast sharing How Do Dinosaurs Go to School? and talking about what it means to be kind, prepared, and ready for a new school year. Every story we read together helps build confidence, spark curiosity, and strengthen a lifelong love of learning.

We are looking forward to a school year filled with big dreams, new discoveries, and plenty of great books! 💙✨

07/26/2026

Today, on Parents' Day, we celebrate the parents, caregivers, and families who show up every day with love, resilience, and hope for their children's futures.

At Friends of the Children, we know that lasting change happens when youth are surrounded by a strong network of caring adults. That's why our Professional Mentors, called Friends, partner with parents and caregivers—not to replace them, but to walk alongside them, building trust, celebrating successes, and navigating challenges together.

Parents know their children best. Our Friends bring consistency, encouragement, and long-term support. Together, they help young people build confidence, overcome obstacles, and reach their full potential.

Today, we're grateful for every parent and caregiver who entrusts us to be part of their child's journey. Thank you for your partnership, your strength, and the countless ways you help your children thrive.

Happy Parents' Day! 💙

07/23/2026

Over the past four months, our youth and Professional Mentors, called Friends, have created and shared their All About Me posters, celebrating their unique personalities, interests, dreams, and stories. After exploring each other's posters, every child wrote a connection card to another youth, sharing words of encouragement, kindness, or something they had in common.

The result? New friendships, meaningful conversations, and a stronger sense of belonging. Christina, our Program Director, shared:

"The response exceeded my expectations. The youth were thoughtful, kind, and genuinely interested in learning more about one another. This activity accomplished exactly what I hoped for by helping build a stronger sense of community among our youth."

At Friends of the Children – Phoenix, creating spaces where youth feel seen, valued, and connected is just as important as helping them achieve their goals. It's through moments like these that lasting relationships begin to grow.

07/22/2026

Sometimes the best reading buddy has four paws. 🐾📚

Friends - Phoenix youth loved welcoming the wonderful dogs from Paws for Youth to our Clubhouse! Reading to a friendly, nonjudgmental pup helps take the pressure off, allowing children to practice reading aloud, build confidence, and discover that reading can be fun.

That encouragement is making a difference. Today, 71% of Friends of the Children – Phoenix youth are reading at or near grade level—a significantly higher percentage than the average at the schools we serve. Every page read, every word practiced, and every confidence-building moment helps move our youth closer to lifelong success.

Thank you, Paws for Youth, for helping our young readers grow one story at a time! 💙

07/20/2026

Stepping outside your comfort zone deserves to be celebrated. 💙🍦

After trying a new dance class, one of our Friends marked the moment with a special ice cream stop. It's a simple tradition, but moments like these help build confidence, celebrate courage, and show our youth that trying something new is always worth recognizing.

Every new experience is another step toward discovering new strengths, and having a trusted Friend there to cheer them on makes all the difference.

Address

4050 E Cotton Center Boulevard Suite 12
Phoenix, AZ
85040

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+14802614185

Website

https://friendsphoenix.org/

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