For press materials, story ideas, or to arrange an interview, please contact: advancement@friendsla.org
Friends of the Children–Los Angeles (Friends LA) is a nonprofit that breaks cycles of poverty and inequity by providing children with long-term, professional mentors—paid, full-time staff we call “Friends.”
Unlike traditional mentoring programs that rely on short-term volunteers, Friends LA selects children facing the toughest challenges—often starting as early as age 4—and commits to walking alongside them for 12+ years, from kindergarten through high school graduation.
Our mentors don’t just support kids. We use a 2Gen approach—working with both children and their caregivers to stabilize families, strengthen communities, and create lasting change.
DIGITAL MEDIA KIT LINK VIA GOOGLE DRIVE (Simone Biles Exclusive video, photos, bios, headshots)
The results are proven:
92% of youth enroll in college, serve in the military, or join the workforce.
83% graduate high school or earn a GED.
93% avoid involvement with the juvenile justice system.
98% wait until adulthood to become parents.
By pairing consistent role models with whole-family support, Friends LA delivers one of the most comprehensive, long-term mentorship models in the nation.
Review data about our courageous, unique, and proven model.