Friends of the Children – Southwest Washington is a nonprofit dedicated to impacting generational change by empowering youth who are facing the greatest obstacles through relationships with professional mentors. Friends – SW Washington’s mentors stick with the youth for 12+ years, no matter what. Friends of the Children is a national nonprofit with chapters across the nation, but it all began in Portland in 1993, when research showed that the strongest protective factor a child facing adversity can have is a long-term, nurturing relationship with an adult. The need in Vancouver became strong enough to make SW Washington’s own chapter that allows them to directly address the specific needs of our community. Friends – SW Washington’s values include putting children first, building relationships on love, committing to empowerment, pursuing goals relentlessly and demanding equity.

Friends of the Children believes that any child in any situation can succeed with the “Power of One:” one child, one friend for 12+ years no matter what, to impact generational change. The children included in their program have the highest systematic obstacles and have experienced multiple adverse childhood experiences. ‘Friends’ are full-time mentors that are hired and trained to empower and support the youth and their caregivers. Friends work with the kids at home, in school and in the community, serving as an advocate in all categories of life. Their proven model shows that:

• 92% of youth enroll in post-secondary education, serve our country or enter the workforce
• 83% earn a high school diploma or GED
• 93% of youth remain free from the juvenile justice system
• 98% of youth wait to parent until after their teen years

According to Harvard Business School Association of Oregon, every $1 invested in Friends of the Children results in over $7 of saved social costs. Helping one child can save the community $900,000. Friends – SW Washington relies on community support to help impact generational change as 99% of their funding comes from private philanthropy. To learn more about their cause, visit their website at friendsswwa.org. A great way to support Friends of the Children – SW Washington in January is by referring someone you know to Davidson Insurance – we’ll donate $25 to the nonprofit on your behalf.

Refer a friend, family member, colleague, or local business for their free, no-obligation quote to support this worthy nonprofit!

Not a current Davidson & Associates client? Call (360) 514-9550 for your free, no-obligation quote and mention our Referral Rewards Program to support Friends of the Children – SW Washington.