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.

*Youth name changed for privacy.