The 1:1 Model in Action at Friends of the Children Austin

Ayani*, who is 11 years old, likes to think out loud a lot, whether she is brainstorming new crafts to do at the Friends Austin Clubhouse or talking about her career goals, which can change from actor to singer to neonatal doctor on a given day. “From our first outing, I could tell she wanted to accomplish big things,” recalls her Friend, Lupe.

Friends of the Children Austin is committed to breaking the cycle of generational poverty. They do this by pairing professional, salaried, full-time, bilingual mentors (called “Friends”) with children facing life’s greatest challenges. Friends Austin commits to these children from kindergarten through high school graduation – 12+ years, no matter what.

The Friends Austin model is distinct, courageous, and proven. Friends of the Children redefined youth mentoring by creating the first and only long-term professional mentoring program in the country. Friends use their relationships with youth as the context for evidence-based, targeted interventions. Friends spend at least four hours of 1:1, intentional time every week in the classroom, home, and community with their youth, working toward goals and building life skills which enable them to thrive.

Since being placed back with family after experiencing time in foster care, Ayani often stays alert to everything around her and is used to looking out for herself and her younger brother. “I try my best to bring joy into her life. I believe she deserves to feel like a normal kid,” Lupe says.

Ayani has a love of the arts and frequently tries new extracurriculars, but she is also a perfectionist and sometimes can be tough on herself at the beginning of a new activity. “When things get tough, I want to listen and give her space to feel everything she needs to feel,” Lupe says. “I just want her to know I will be there for her, no matter what.”

As Ayani’s confidence has grown, so has her relationship with Lupe. “She never misses a week without updating me on her hopes and dreams. She is so smart and talented – I know she will accomplish whatever she puts her heart into.”

The youth served by Friends Austin are born into circumstances beyond their control, such as systemic poverty, foster care, trauma, violence, food insecurity, and homelessness. Yet,  the single most important factor in overcoming adversity is a long-term, nurturing relationship with a consistent, caring adult. By taking mentorship out of the volunteer realm, the organization’s unique model means that Friends receive professional training to serve youth facing the most complex challenges and support them in achieving their hopes and dreams – no matter what.

Eight years since their founding, Friends Austin has grown to serve over 200 youth and their families facing the greatest challenges. The powerful, life-changing impact of their work would not be possible without the support of such a dedicated community, and Friends Austin is especially grateful to the Sooch Foundation for its long-standing commitment to their mission. If you are interested in learning more about Friends Austin and how to get involved, please visit www.friendsaustin.org or reach out to Caroline Page at cpage@friendsaustin.org.

*Youth name changed for privacy.