Family of Friends matches volunteer families with 6- to 9-year-old children in need of additional caring, safe mentoring
relationships. The program is funded in part through a grant from the
Portland Children's Levy.
Mentoring families welcome a child into their life a few times a month for a year. The mentor child is included in the natural
everyday activities of your family. Simply set another place at the table, buy an extra ticket to a movie or play a game together.
It's that simple. You just live your life! Your family becomes a mentoring family and a source of support while encouraging a
child's positive growth and development.
For more info, visit the Family of Friends website.
Why Do We Match Families With Children?
Our lives are busy. Few of us can afford the time away from our own family to spend time with another child. But, consistently
including another child in our family's activities is something that enriches a child's life while teaching our own children
compassion and service.
Who are the mentored children?
The children are referred to the program by their families or caregivers who believe the children's lives will be enriched by
additional, caring relationships. They hear about Family of Friends from schools or other agencies that serve children. The
needs and wants of the child will be matched with a mentoring family's ability to meet them. Extreme care is taken to make
sure this is a safe, positive experience for everyone involved.
How do I learn more?
Please contact Trillium's Family of Friends program at 503-813-7724. If you want to be a mentoring family, applications must
be completed, references checked, training completed and a home visit conducted.
