We've Moved!

Construction delays gave us a little extra time in our beloved Altamont clubhouse (below, left), where we have worked with youth for 23 years. But on October 30th, we finally moved our Klamath Falls home base to Old Fort Road (below, right). This once-dilapidated property is now a knockout community asset thanks to widespread support and the visionary design of architect Yabori Calvo.

 

Here, program youth (70 this year) can read in a sunlit library, learn cooking skills in a well-equipped kitchen, meet with tutors and a licensed clinical social worker in quiet rooms, express their creativity in the art room, and exercise on hiking/biking trails designed by Klamath Trails Alliance. They will find the peace and belonging they need to build relationships, skills, and hope.

Please Come See!

All community members are invited to a self-guided tour of our new clubhouse at 1515 Old Fort Road on Sunday, November 12th, 1 pm - 5 pm. Please stop in! No need to rsvp.

 

-Complete a simple Scavenger Hunt for a small prize

-Open the cabinets to see supplies donated by Grocery Outlet

-Admire artwork by program youth

-Test the indoor slide and leave with a smile!

Program News

Mental Health Support

LCSW Emily Vazquez is providing 15 hours of support monthly to our Friends and families. The calming room at our Old Fort clubhouse (right) is designed for talking with her - or just meditating and resetting after a stressful school day. 

Academic Support

Friends spend two hours weekly in K-5 classrooms and help all program youth achieve their academic goals. Three contracted tutors also provide support, and our new Old Fort clubhouse has quiet study rooms (pictured right) for this important work!

Notice the 20 prints on the left wall? They are photos taken by program youth through a Parks in Focus nature photography program.

Many program youth started this school year with new confidence from a summer spent engaged with our STEAM activities, field trips, and reading challenges. We celebrated many firsts, including 7-year-old "K" reading a book by herself for the first time ever. We are thankful to the Klamath County School District for sharing funds that helped support our robust and successful summer programming! Pictured right is Friend Corey reading with a youth and reading coach/therapy dog Soba at the Chiloquin clubhouse.
 

Staff News

In August, we welcomed Kenny Benson as Operations Manager. He brings 20+ years of experience with youth and young adults in therapeutic settings, including team management, program development, training, public relations and marketing, and he is supporting all aspects of operations at both our Klamath Falls and Chiloquin clubhouses.

Fundraising News

Ambassadors John and Maggie Huntley, MaryAnn Lundin, LeRoy and Cynthia Ulrey, Cassi Stevens, Kali Carter Hudon, Kendra Santiago, Sabree Johnson, and Johanna Scholer met with staff in September to hear program updates and volunteer for fall projects, including making Potato Sale deliveries and planning the December Ugly Sweater Run. To get involved, contact Director of Development Anne Keyser by clicking the button below: 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Stock up for the holidays!  Friends of the Children – Klamath Basin is selling premium russets donated by CAL-ORE Produce. Each 20# box is $25, with 100% of proceeds directly supporting youth mentoring in the Klamath Basin.

 

Order online by scanning the QR code above or clicking the button below. Potatoes can be

picked up at Klamath Falls Subaru, Washburn Way on Saturday, November 4th, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. OR delivered to homes within Klamath Falls starting November 6th. 
 
 
I Want to Register for the Ugly Sweater Run
 

Did You Know?

Every $1 Invested Saves the Community $26

Our work is focused on one child at a time, but it affects everyone: The Harvard Business School Association of Oregon showed that for every $1 invested in Friends of the Children, the community saves over $7 in expenses the child would have incurred. Helping one child saves $900,000. With generational impact considered, the estimated savings is $26 per $1 spent. 
 
I'm Inspired to Donate
 

Facility Updates

Our New Mailing Address

for our Chiloquin clubhouse and new Klamath Falls clubhouse:

P.O. Box 5235, Klamath Falls, OR 97601

 
 

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