Friends of the Children Officially Opens the Duncan and Cindy Campbell National Center of Excellence for Professional Youth Mentoring
PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Friends of the Children, the country's leading professional youth mentoring organization, announces the opening of the Duncan and Cindy Campbell National Center of Excellence for Professional Youth Mentoring. Located at 65 NE Stanton St. in Portland's historic Albina neighborhood, the building will serve as both the Friends of the Children – National headquarters and the Albina campus for the organization's founding Portland chapter.
Named in honor of the organization's founders who began Friends of the Children in 1993, the Center is designed to be a best-in-class, worldwide destination to advance the professional youth mentoring field. Built on over 30 years of organizational expertise, the global hub is dedicated to setting industry standards, building capabilities, and sharing best practices to support resilient youth facing systemic challenges. The realization of the new Center was made possible by support from more than two-dozen foundations and private donors, including Gary and Christine Rood who gave $5 million toward its creation.
"For more than 30 years, Friends of the Children has proven that a long-term, positive relationship with a professional mentor can not only change a child's life but also disrupt generational cycles," said Terri Sorensen, Chief Executive Officer of Friends of the Children. "The opening of the Center represents the next chapter in our national journey, allowing us to scale our impact, convene thought leaders, and ensure that professional youth mentoring gains national recognition as a powerful tool for transforming communities."
The Center's three strategic priorities include:
- Improving Youth Outcomes: Targeting key developmental metrics, specifically in mental health, literacy, and access to opportunities.
- Academic Partnerships: Establishing a first-of-its-kind professional youth mentoring certificate.
- Field Leadership: Bringing together thought leaders, presenting key research, and serving as a premier hub for training and technical assistance.
For more information, please visit: friendsofthechildren.org
ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN Friends of the Children is a national nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty by empowering youth who face the greatest obstacles. Through long-term, salaried, professional mentoring—12+ years, no matter what—we create lasting impact for children and families. The model emphasizes a 12+ year commitment that allows Friends to cultivate deep, trusting relationships with program participants that empower them to build life skills and create generational change.
SOURCE Friends of the Children
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