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Who are "Friends?"
Friends are full-time, paid employees of Friends of the Children San Francisco. They have college degrees and professional experience in education and child development.
What do Friends do?
They work as professional mentors. A Friend is assigned eight children of the same gender and spends an
average of four hours a week with each child during and after school, on weekends, and during school vacations.
How is Friends of the Children different from other youth development programs?
Friends of the Children intervenes early and supports each child for 12 years through a consistent relationship with an adult -- their Friend. Friends support children in educational, social, psychological and life skills.
Why pay mentors instead of using volunteers?
High-risk children need special care. Even in established and respected mentoring programs, volunteer mentors make only a yearlong commitment and may leave the program suddenly when other obligations take priority in their lives or they experience the burnout common among volunteers. When a mentor leaves suddenly, a child can feel resentful and betrayed rather than secure and supported.
At Friends of the Children San Francisco, Friends are not preoccupied with or tired from their "real" jobs because being a Friend IS their real job. Friends receive ongoing training, support, and guidance from experts to help them cope with the challenges of mentoring. Friends are paid the equivalent of a teacher's starting salary, and receive excellent medical, dental, and retirement benefits.
Can I volunteer for Friends of the Children?
Friends of the Children does not use volunteer as mentors, but instead employs full-time child development professionals as mentors. To find out more about becoming a Friend, please contact us at 415.642.3400. There are other ways to volunteer and get involved in Friends of the Children. Look at our Donate page for ideas.
How can I support Friends of the Children?
To donate, please click here or call us at 415.642.3400. We appreciate all support -- monetary, in-kind and volunteer assistance.
How is Friends of the Children funded?
Through grants and donations from foundations, businesses and individuals who believe in the mission and effectiveness of Friends of the Children.
How can I enroll my child in Friends of the Children?
Friends of the Children admits children when they are in first grade through a collaborative review process with local educational and child development professionals. To discuss your child's eligibility for enrollment in Friends of the Children, please contact us at 415.642.3400.
800 Innes Avenue #12 | San Francisco, CA 94124-2119 | 415.642.3400 | info@fotcsf.org | 
