We’ve all heard the expression “it takes a village to raise a child,” and that’s what we create for youth at Friends of the Children-Portland. Of course, each youth has a Friend who is there through thick and thin, no matter what, but our ultimate goal is to provide them with tools and opportunities so they can build a foundation for success for themselves that lasts beyond our program.

Early elementary is a critical time for youth development, and we are seeing increasing data that links early academic engagement with school success later on. And yet, we continue to see school budgets shrink, leaving teachers and classrooms without the resources to make grade-level literacy and math skills achievable for everyone. For Friends, that shift has meant increased school visits, closer work with families, hiring bi-lingual staff and responding to increasing life stressors that prevent youth from prioritizing school. Your investment will ensure each youth receives individualized educational support from our mentors, both in and out of school.

Behind every entrepreneur and success story is a tale of exploration, unrelenting skill-building, and long lists of small, attainable goals. Whether it’s a vet, astronaut, singer, basketball player, professional gamer, or a good dad—Friends know the power of a spark and the possibilities that come when passion is combined with unrelenting focus and self-determination.

At the heart of our program is a human connection, between a youth and Friend, which enables us to individualize support for each child. Much more than a friendship, our 12+ year commitment builds a level of trust with each child and family that is unique and long-lasting, creating an impact that will be felt for generations to come by disrupting the cyclical nature of poverty. The 1:1 Friends model makes real change. But it doesn’t work because of you, me, or youth individually, it works because of us. Give today and let’s continue making real change, together.