Friends of the Children Leaders Blanket Capitol Hill to Support Youth

On February 1, Friends of the Children leaders representing youth from more than 500 schools across the country blanketed Capitol Hill. Executive directors and board chairs from chapters in our 29 locations met with more than 50 Members of Congress representing both sides of the aisle.

“We are calling on Members of Congress to prioritize the needs of children and families in their districts and across the country who have innate potential and face significant adversity,” said Terri Sorensen, national CEO of Friends of the Children. “Policies that support whole child well-being are needed for children who are disproportionately impacted by foster care, racism, education inequities, mental health conditions, homelessness, and other traumatic experiences.”

“Friends of the Children, which was founded and is headquartered in my district, is a national success story,” said Congressman Earl Blumenauer. “There is tremendous power in this seemingly simple concept of providing an at-risk child with a caring adult who won’t just be a part-time mentor but a regular presence in that child’s life from preschool until they are guided through high school. This model is proof that children with the greatest needs also have the greatest potential for success. That’s why I’m fighting in Congress to enact policies that support this critical program and help children and families thrive.”

A reception at the AT&T Forum was held to celebrate the organization’s 30th anniversary and was attended by U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), and U.S. Reps. Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Lloyd Doggett (TX-35) and Dusty Johnson (SD-At Large) among others.

The 30th anniversary celebration included video addresses from U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., M.B.A., U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and World Champion Gymnast and Youth Advocate Simone Biles, who is a Friends of the Children Ambassador.

Learn more policy priorities which Friends of the Children asked Members of Congress to support by clicking here: https://friendsofthechildren.org/news/friends-of-the-children-leaders-blanket-capitol-hill-to-highlight-policies-that-support-youth-who-experience-significant-adversity