Program News
 

"Color makes the world fun. I am fun. I am the color in the world."

 

That's how 9-year-old C described her painting, created from the prompt "I am." 

 

C's piece will be included in a book of art by Friends of the Children participants from around the country.

 

See the decals on our Old Fort clubhouse elevator? They say "Welcome, Friends!" in English, Spanish, Klamath, Modoc, Paiute, and other languages.

 

Come experience this welcoming, accessible space where youth feel safety and belonging. Schedule a visit!
 
When youth feel overwhelmed by a trauma experience or life event, Friends are skilled at helping them learn how to cope in healthy ways, such as by taking a minute to breathe in our comfy calming room.
 
Friend Josie Harris recently expanded her support skills by earning the School Mental and Behavioral Health micro-credential from Southern Oregon University - Thanks to Jessie DuBose and the Southern Oregon Education Service District for funding that professional development!

 
 

Our clothing closet looks nice and tidy thanks to the program teen pictured (far left) who recently gave volunteer hours to Friends - Klamath Basin.

 

X's organizational help at the Old Fort Road clubhouse fulfilled part of his senior project requirements at Mazama High School - Thanks to former Board member Benji Henslee for facilitating!

 

Friends and youth enjoyed sun and blue skies for an outing to the Family Fun Center in Central Point during the spring break week in March.

 

Yes, that's right - Friends work evenings, Saturdays, summers, and school vacation weeks. Their support is consistent and long-term, and that's what makes it work!
 

Our Programming Committee is so fortunate to have Board members with expertise in education, pediatrics, mental health, juvenile justice, and more. One of those members is Heidi Gaither, winner of Klamath County's Chamber of Commerce "Inspiring Leader of the Year" award. Heidi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Director of Klamath County Developmental Disability Services. 

Fundraising News

Show kids facing great obstacles that they belong in our community and matter to us by showing up for the 2024 Friend Raiser on May 30th! 

 

Reserve seats right here.

 

NEW FEATURES

3 bars – Short cocktail lines all night 

Multiple food stations open right after registration – Bites of the Basin, fast and hot

A new Holliday Jewelry Raffle – Every box contains a prize 

Bourbon Plinko – Every chip wins

 TRADITIONAL FAVORITES 

Wine Pull – Every player gets a bottle and a prize

Dessert Dash – Klamath’s best sweets 

Golden Ticket Raffle – Just 100 tickets, one worth $1,000 

Incredible silent and live auction items, including: 

Trips to Kauai, Las Vegas, and Lake of the Woods

Tickets to Oregon Ducks football and Golden Knights hockey
 

These lords and ladies loved their Medieval Feast at the Old Fort clubhouse, purchased at last year's Friend Raiser. Be ready to bid on such unique experience May 30th!

In the News
(L to R) Board Chairs Traci Freid and Tessa Koch and Executive Director Amanda Squibb joined other Friends leaders in Washington D.C. to advocate for federal funds for professional mentoring that fills gaps in academic and mental health resources. Their February trip was featured by the Herald & News and Basin Life. 
 
photo credit Ting Shen

In How America Heals, Pulitzer Prize winner Nicholas Kristof highlights Friends of the Children mentoring as one solution for healing a nation that "cannot thrive when so many have been left behind." 

Facility Updates

This beautiful donor wall honors the generous supporters who established our Old Fort Road clubhouse. Thanks to Dave Wilkerson for his craftsmanship!

 
I'm Inspired to Donate
 

Follow us