November 04, 2024 Celebrating 30 Years of Impact On October 24, Friends of the Children celebrated more than 30 years of empowering youth and impacting generational change in Santa Monica, California. We honored our founders, Duncan and Cindy Campbell, for their vision and commitment to youth across the country. Nearly all of the Executive Directors of our 41 locations were present to celebrate! Cassie Patris-Browne, our Friends – Phoenix Executive Director, really enjoyed the opportunity to meet both Duncan and so many of our network’s leaders face-to-face. The night opened with an energetic welcome by Friends and youth from the Friends of the Children – Los Angeles chapter. Two alumni from the Friends of the Children program were featured speakers: Cardeana Burton, who teaches high school in East Memphis, Tennessee, and Tah-Jae Franklyn, a singer in Seattle, Washington who has already performed for more than 14,000 people Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena early in her career. Tah-Jae performed hits by Smokey Robinson, a favorite of founder Duncan Campbell. The event also spotlighted special guest Simone Biles—World Champion gymnast and youth advocate. Simone was honored as a “Champion for Children,” for her work advocating for youth, mental health, and the power of dreaming big! “I’ve always wondered what my legacy would be, what I could do to give back…and then I found Friends of the Children,” said Simone Biles. “There was an instant connection because I’ve gone through what these kids have gone through. I’ve grown through what these kids are going to grow through. I can see myself in these kids who just need someone who believes in them and that’s exactly what Friends of the Children does.” Terri Sorensen, CEO of Friends of the Children – National said: “Tonight we honor Duncan and Cindy for their bold innovation, for their big hearts, and for their impact on over 20,000 children and caregivers throughout the last 30 years.” Cassie left California having already built meaningful relationships with several Executive Directors from Friends of the Children chapters – some of whom are already making plans to visit Phoenix! Opportunities to network, brainstorm, and learn from each other in person are important as we grow our chapter’s reach and impact here in South Phoenix, and as our model reaches more and more places across the country. Congratulations on 30 years of impact, Friends of the Children, Friends – Phoenix is SO excited to be on this journey supporting youth and families!