Friends of the Children - Phoenix

Friends of the Children - Phoenix connects each child with a paid, professional mentor called a Friend. Friends work full time and support youth from as early as age 4 through high school graduation for 12 or more years, no matter what. Friends of the Children created what it identifies as the first and only long-term professional mentoring program in the country.

• Ages: 4–18 years old

Friends of the Children - Phoenix is part of a national network of Friends of the Children chapters across the United States. The organization’s mission is impacting generational change by empowering youth who are facing the greatest obstacles through relationships with professional mentors for 12 or more years, no matter what. Reported outcomes for youth in the program include 92% enrolling in post-secondary education, serving in the military, or entering the workforce, 83% earning a high school diploma or GED, 93% remaining free from involvement in the juvenile justice system, and 98% waiting to parent until after their teen years. Friends of the Children was established in 1993 in Portland, Oregon. At the Phoenix chapter, Nicole serves as the Director of Development and Strategic Communications.

Last updated January 16, 2026.