The Gift of Friendship

A Nonprofit Emphasizing the Power of Relationship

WORDS MEHER QAZILBASH | PHOTOS FROM FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN

For over 30 years, the national organization, Friends of the Children, has served young people dealing with tremendous obstacles. The program’s Austin chapter began partnering with local kids five years ago to positively impact their lives, with hopes to bring about a successful future for their circle of influence.

Friends of the Children Austin is committed to breaking the cycle of generational poverty, beginning on a personal level. The nonprofit offers support to youth in particularly difficult circumstances by providing each with a trained professional mentor or “friend” who commits to regularly meeting with them from kindergarten through their high school graduation. Each friend reflects the community they serve, making them strong and relatable role models for the mentees.

What makes their approach to mentorship unique is the emphasis on creating relationships that are one-on-one and long-term. Early intervention is critical to making an impact, and this model is tailored to the needs of the individual child. Each young person is gifted the priceless experience of a lasting, complex bond.

Thus far, the outcomes have been incredibly promising. Collected data shows a significant amount of youth in the program growing up and pursuing post-secondary education, entering the workforce, avoiding the juvenile justice system, and delaying parenting until after adolescence.

“The most rewarding part of being a mentor is the long-term commitment that we make to the youth we serve and to their families,” shares Program Manager and Professional Mentor Freddy Vigil-Zavaleta. “The model of mentoring each youth from kindergarten through 12th grade, no matter what, not only gives the opportunity to observe monumental changes but also the small victories that, if one weren't involved with them every week, would be missed.” Freddy adds that it is an ongoing relationship where they can learn from one another. He smiles, “As time goes by, my boys and I have created a space where we both feel comfortable growing and adapting to the barriers that we experience through our time together.”

CONTACT:

(512) 717-6701 info@friendsaustin.org

1023 Springdale Rd., Ste. 13C friendsaustin.org

@friendsatx

GIVE YOUR SUPPORT

Get involved by making a donation, volunteering, or stocking the kids’ shelves for birthday and holiday gifting. This summer, you can take part in a raffle featuring a variety of prizes such as concert tickets, staycations, and activities for the whole family. Find more info on their website.