Speaking on Business: Friends of the Children - Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 2020, Friends of the Children Utah has been breaking cycles of poverty through long-term, one-on-one mentoring. Their professional mentors support children from kindergarten to high school, currently serving 300 individuals, including 62 enrolled youth and their families. Executive Director, Kelsey Lewis, joins us with more. Kelsey Lewis: At Friends - Utah, we know there are no short-term fixes for children living with multiple generational risk factors. Our evidence-based approach breaks cycles of poverty and adversity by moving the mentoring relationship beyond the volunteer realm. We pair children aged four to six with dedicated, full-time paid professional mentors we call “Friends”. Friends build strong, lasting relationships with children facing the biggest challenges, offering consistent, one-on-one support from kindergarten all the way through high school graduation. That’s 12 years, no matter what. Friends help children develop essential life skills, succeed academically and build resilience for the future. We’re new to Utah, but we have 30 years of proven results — our youth go on to graduate from high school, avoid juvenile justice involvement and teen parenting. Every dollar invested in our program returns over 7 dollars in social benefits, from reduced foster care costs to improving lifelong outcomes. Visit friends friendsutah.org and learn how you can help. Derek Miller: Friends of the Children Utah is making a lasting impact by helping youth break free from cycles of poverty and adversity. Their long-term mentorship empowers children and families, creating real change and building a stronger, more resilient community. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 3/25/25