Friends Program of Kearney

Our mission is to promote the personal development of youth through positive one-to-one role modeling. ☀️Empowering youth through one-on-one mentoring. ☀️Building connections. Changing lives.

Since 1978, The Friends Program has positively impacted the lives of Buffalo County youth through mentoring. We offer school-based and community-based mentoring programs to Kindergarten through 5th-grade youth. The youths (Little Friends) are matched to high school, college, or community adults (Big Friends) for at least one year. Several of the matches continue past the one-year commitment and become lifelong friends.

Matches are encouraged to focus on goals throughout the match, such as building the Little Friend's self-confidence and improving reading and social skills. The Friends Program is recognized by MENTOR Nebraska as an established mentoring agency in the state of Nebraska.

Testimonials

"On the days I see my Big Friend, I am really happy all day because I know at the end of the school day I will get to see my Big Friend." Little Friend, Brad

"The experience I gained while volunteering with the Friends Program, is something you can't get in a classroom. I have gained a lifelong friend!" Big Friend, Brittany

"I had tons of fun with my big friend, especially when we went to the parks and played on the jungle gyms and swings. He also taught me how to play chess. I had so much great great fun that I wish we would never have to stop seeing each other!" Little Friend

"Being a Big Friend has made me realize how fortunate I was growing up with my home life and all the things and opportunities I was given. Seeing that other kids don't have the same opportunities makes me want to reach out to them even more. I have also learned that quality time is very important. Gifts or other material things cannot replace the time spent with a child." Big Friend, Kimberly