KBND News: National Mentorship Program Comes to Central Oregon

BEND, Ore. – A Portland-based mentoring program for children who face the greatest obstacles is expanding to Central Oregon. Duncan Campbell founded Friends of the Children over 25 years ago and said his model is unique because mentors – or “Friends” – are paid. "We love all mentors and other volunteers, but these children’s needs are so great, that’s why we hire full-time people. And, you need to make a long-term commitment. When we hire the friends, for example, we say ‘if you can’t stay three to five years, don’t join us, even if you’re gifted, because you’ll just be another adult that breaks this child’s heart.'"