Friends Program Inc

Programs: Foster grandparent program - this unique program has brought together tens of thousands of needy children and loving retired adults who have all been deeply enriched by new relationships. We train and place senior volunteers in schools, non-profit childcare centers and other youth service organizations to help set children on the path to a successful future. And this federal program pays a tax-free stipend to income-eligible retirees to help them afford to volunteer and make ends meet. The program is built to serve the needs of organizations as they educate and help children flourish, and the needs and choices of retired volunteers. Participants choose the age of children they enjoy most and the times they prefer to serve so they can continue to pursue other interests as well.

emergency housing program - the friends emergency housing program is an emergency shelter for homeless families, providing 24-hour, 7 days a week staffing. The program provides intensive, community-based case management and short-term housing, aftercare and outreach services for families at risk of future homelessnes; along with transitional housing units in concord. Families are provided with the support, education and training to assist them in acquiring long-term skills and accessing resources to find and maintain permanent housing. The purpose of the program is to break the cycle of homelessness for families. Founded on establishing a sense of safety, supportive counseling and educational services are provided to help residents find and maintain permanent housing. A safe, consistent, predictable, and respectful environment that keeps families together as a unit sets the stage for success at achieving individualized goals.

youth mentoring program - the friends youth mentoring program uses different mentoring models mentoring models to work with a broad range of youth who have been identified as in need of mentor by a referral source. Youth mentors are volunteers, age 16 and up, that are selectively matched with junior friends, school age youth, in a one-to-one mentoring relationship that helps junior friends gain confidence and improve their behavior at home, in school, and in the community. The friends youth mentoring program provides children with a supportive, non-judgmental mentor who can serve as a positive role model, who will listen to their problems, and who will provide them a window to the world outside their environment. Youth mentors help children realize that they are special, have potential, and can achieve their goals.

retired and senior volunteer program and interfaith caregivers program - retired senior volunteers are individuals over 55 years of age serving their communities on identified community needs. Service activities of volunteers include: reading with students or assisting teachers in the elementary schools; providing tours and information regarding the city's cultural heritage; attending to the nutritional needs of the elderly/low income by assisting at nutrition meal sites and food pantries and distributing meals on wheels and surplus food commodities; offering socialization to the frail elderly in the nursing homes; and increasing the capacity of non-profits by providing clerical support. Not only does rsvp help these agencies to increase their service capacity, but it also provides opportunities for older adults to remain actively engaged in their communities. The retired senior volunteer program connected and supported 900 individuals in the past year.