A Look at Our History

The Friends program was formed by a group of community leaders that coalesced around a strong concern for young persons in the Walla Walla valley. Begun in 1999, the organization built its services upon the concept that a safe, consistent relationship with a caring adult outside the home can help a young person negotiate the developmental challenges that all youth face. From the inception of this home-grown, local organization, there has been a commitment to rigorous screening, intensive training and ongoing support of adult volunteers as well as a focus on matching the appropriate adult and child. Since the first Friends “match” was made in 1999, over 400 children have been served in the program. 

 

Last year, Friends added a new, exciting program to its traditional, community-based services. While the latter is built on a one-year commitment from an adult who sees their matched young friend weekly, one-on-one in the community; the ABC (Adults Befriending Children) Program requires a commitment lasting a school year, and all interaction takes place on school grounds during school time. Together, the two programs form a solid approach to helping young persons in the Walla Walla Valley.

Although both programs are built around the relationship of a child and an adult volunteer, the Friends founding community members felt strongly that they wanted to develop the program according to local community needs and to develop policies and practices which directly reflected the region. It was also a commitment of the organization that all funds would remain within the community in order to invest in direct service to children in the Walla Walla Valley. Therefore, no percentage of the Friends budget is sent to a national organization – all funds are spent in the valley. Finally, we emphasize the mutuality of our friendships and do not focus on goals to accomplish. Instead, it is the relationship itself which makes the difference in the child’s life.

 

Friends 2008 Annual Report

 

To view the Annual Report, please click on the 2008 AR.pdf link.