I have been acquainted with Friends of the Children since 2004. I have been so impressed with the program provided to children in San Francisco who would otherwise go unserved. The mentors that are assigned to children make a commitment that spans years, not months, and reaches beyond the child to include the entire family. The mentor serves as a liason between the child, the family and the schools. The mentor works with the family to assure that regular attendance in school occurs. The mentor works with the family to assure that the family is able to avail itself of the social services provided by the city, state and federal government to assist them. As we all know, poverty can be exhausting and time consuming. In their desire to provide for their families financially, parents are often so busy with a variety of jobs and seeking services that the children are left on their own much of the time. Friends of the Children and the mentors they employ fill the gap for the children. There is someone checking to make sure the homework is done, a meal is available or quality time is spent talking to the child about the options that exist for a future that is not on the streets or as part of a gang. I proudly support this program financially and as a classroom teacher can see the effects that it has on the lives of the children it touches.