Friends of the Children – Portland is a nationally recognized, dynamic non-profit mentoring organization serving high-risk children in our community.  Paid, full-time mentors (called “Friends”) work intensively with eight children to guide them from kindergarten through high school graduation in hopes of breaking the cycle of poverty, gang involvement, drug use and violence.  Friends of the Children is committed to our community, to equal employment opportunity, and to diversity in our workplace.  We offer a competitive benefits package and 401(k) options.            Open Positions
Friends has a structured screening process, involving multiple interviews and on the job observations, and its mentors have clear educational and social goals to meet (it’s not just playing ball, talking about life, and going on outings). But an essential factor remains their steadfastness. “We ask, ‘Where do you want to be in 5 or 10 years?’” says Campbell. “Because if they want to become a football coach, they’ll be gone in a couple of years. And they’d be another adult who broke the kid’s heart, even if they’re committed. We’ve had to turn down some incredible applicants who couldn’t promise they’d stay.” Bornstein, David. "For Children at Risk, Mentors Who Stay." New York Times 6 Oct. 2011.