Friends of the Children Founder Duncan Campbell Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Congratulations to Friends of the Children founder Duncan Campbell! Duncan was recently honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Mentoring Summit’s Excellence in Mentoring ceremony in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes Duncan’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to mentoring that has transformed the lives of youth and families across the country, including right here in Phoenix.

“More than 30 years ago, I focused on the idea that just one long-term relationship can change a child’s life for the better,” said Campbell at the recent award ceremony. “I’m so humbled and honored that Friends of the Children has grown from one chapter with 24 children being served by three professional mentors in Portland, OR, in 1993 to more than 40 sites across the country serving thousands of youth in urban, suburban, rural, and Indigenous communities.”

Duncan’s legacy as a trailblazer in long-term mentoring is a true inspiration. The long-term outcomes of youth across our national network are a testament to the impact his vision has had and will continue to have. Of youth enrolled with Friends of the Children for 12+ years, 92% go on to enroll in post-secondary education, serve our country, or enter the workforce. 93% remain free from juvenile justice system involvement, and 98% wait to parent until after their teen years.

We may be only a few years into our 12+ year commitment to youth and families in Phoenix, but our work is grounded in the experience of our national network stretching all the way back to Duncan founding our first chapter in Portland. Cassie Patris-Browne, our Executive Director, says, “When I met Duncan late last year, he truly oozed optimism and passion for serving others. This award is so richly deserved!”

Thank you, Duncan, for your vision and leadership – and congratulations on this honor!