Program News

Professional Mentor (Friend) Josie Harris began serving youth in Chiloquin.

Josie grew up in Santa Cruz, California, where she experienced several foster placements before finding a forever family and the support she needed to thrive. She earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts with a focus in technical sewing/patternmaking and a certification as an EMT. As a Friend, she enjoys combining her creativity with her passion for helping others.

 

Why Friends of the Children?

“I immediately was drawn to the mentoring model for how well it introduces youth to regulation techniques, real-world problem solving, and peer/pro-social development. I think a key aspect it focuses on is finding ‘spark,’ which is magic to me! Finding the thing that makes these kiddos bloom is like nothing I've ever seen.”

 

Felicia McNair ("Grandma") began serving as Tribal Engagement Coordinator.

Felicia is a respected elder of the Klamath Tribes who previously worked as a Prevention Coordinator for Klamath Tribal Health & Family Services, focusing on the proven link between good health and a strong connection to culture, history, and language. In her new part-time role with Friends - Klamath Basin, Felicia keeps the program's Indigenous youth connected to their Tribal traditions and shares cultural lessons with all program youth to foster understanding, respect, and inclusion. 

 

Why "Grandma"?

Felicia was given the title "Female Elder Grandma" when she served as a leader at Konaway Nika Tillicum ("All My Relations"), an eight-day summer program for Native American students at Southern Oregon University. She retained the village-concept name of "Grandma" for her weekly Facebook livestreams, when she reads aloud from books written by Native authors.

 

 Friends and youth have been busy biking, baking, bowling, and more! In every activity, youth build the self-esteem and skills needed to set and achieve goals for success.
 

At a "Headspace" meeting to support mental health, Board member and LCSW Heidi Gaither helped youth identify emotions with a Feelings Wheel. One youth shared: "I feel JOY the most on Thursdays, because on Thursdays I get to see [Friend] Sarah."
 

Thanks to generous donations from Sol Luna Yoga, Elks Lodge 1247, St. Pius Catholic Church, and many Board and community members, Friends - Klamath Basin provided holiday meals and gifts to program families this year. Pictured below are Elks Lodge members with Executive Director Amanda Squibb.

Fundraising News

Potato Sale 2023

Thank you to Cal-Ore Produce and Klamath Falls Subaru for making this year's Potato Sale possible - and to our potato mascot, who says she wants the role until she is 18! 
 

Ugly Sweater Run 2023

Thank you to every snack and prize donor, sponsor, runner, and volunteer who created a fabulous Ugly Sweater Run to raise funds and awareness for our work! Special thanks to media promoters The Herald & News, Wynne Broadcasting, KOBI-KOTI NBC, and Basin Mediactive.
 

Year-End Appeal 2023

Thanks to all who championed children by giving to our 2023 year-end appeal. With your gift and a match of $14,500 from several Board and community members, we came very close to our $50,000 goal!
 

Friend Raiser 2024

Planning for Friend Raiser 2024 is underway. We'll bring back favorite traditions like Dessert Dash and the best auction in town. And we'll introduce a new food format and other improvements! Mark your calendars for a fun and meaningful night, and contact akeyser@friendsklamath.org if you want to contribute a dessert for 8 or an item/service for the auction.

In the News

World Champion Gymnast Simone Biles shared her support of Friends of the Children mentoring in this Vanity Fair cover story and in this interview for the TV special CNN Heroes: Sharing the Spotlight. 

 

Biles encouraged youth facing challenges like the foster care she experienced as a young child, saying, “You can still dream big and do amazing things.” 

 

Of all Friends - Klamath Basin youth, 56% have been impacted by foster care.

Facility Updates

With this chair lift installed, our two-story clubhouse in Klamath Falls became fully accessible!

Staff Opening

Ready for full-time work with this fun team? Friends - Klamath Basin needs a Director of Development & Marketing to raise awareness and funds for its professional mentoring work. The successful candidate will replace Anne Keyser, who has filled the role since June 2020 and has been working from her new home in Illinois since July 2023. Said Anne: "This amazing organization deserves someone on site to witness and share its transformative daily work!" See the job description here.

 
I'm Inspired to Donate
 
 
 
 
 

Follow us