Friends of Children of Walla Walla

In our very successful ABC Program in all elementary schools in Walla Walla and College Place, volunteers commit to meet weekly during lunchtime for a full school-year with their young friends on school grounds. Children range from grades K-5 and enjoy spending time with their adult friends engaging in diverse activities, including reading, board games, sports, tag, and art projects. Even though all contact takes place at school, there are no specific academic goals to achieve—the focus is simply on developing a friendship. We have seen countless examples of the power of the friendships we've generated through our Programs. Parent survey results have indicated significant behavioral improvements in their children, since being matched with an adult Friend. In 2019: **Over 30% of parents reported an increase in their child’s self-confidence and ability to make decisions **Over 50% indicated an improvement in their child’s academic performance and ability to avoid delinquency National research has also shown that mentoring relationships have a clear positive impact on the life of the matched child. Here are some of the typical outcomes: *More likely to trust their parents and communicate more effectively with them *More likely to have fewer school absences< *More likely to attend college and to look forward to the future *Less likely to be physically aggressive with peers *Less likely to initiate drug & alcohol use

The organization was formed in 1999 to help prevent children from facing life's challenges alone, and remains committed to creating positive change in the lives of families in the Walla Walla Valley – one child at a time.Though mentoring relationships that focus on goals such as academic achievement or self-improvement are helpful, adult volunteers concentrate on the child, letting the friendship find its own impact and letting the child lead the way. Adult friends do not act as parents, teachers, disciplinarians, coaches, therapists or saviors. Instead, they act as friends, providing a listening, encouraging, caring presence that the child can count on over time. This respectful approach opens doors to mutuality in an adult/child relationship that is, sadly, all too rare for children today.