Impact

Friends of the Children Works!

Gary Walker, president of a Philadelphia think tank called Public/Private Ventures that studies youth issues says, "In my professional life, I've seen only a few programs that I think have a shot at really making a difference. I don't casually toss words around like 'brilliant' and 'unique' but what Campbell did is brilliant and unique. What he created in Portland could change the way this country tries to help its children."

Evaluation is a key component of our program, including the use of independent third-party evaluators. In the most established chapter in Portland, Oregon , the first cohort of children graduated from high school in June 2004.

Across the country, the huge majority of program children outperform their peer group in elementary, middle and high school. These were the children identified by their elementary school teachers as most likely to fail.

• 98% of all program children are in school
• 97% have passing grades
• 98% have never been incarcerated
• 97% do not use drugs or alcohol on a regular basis
• Fewer than 10% are involved in gang activity