Inspiration Becomes Reality
From Executive Director Jane Lyons In May of this year in Boston, Friends of Children honored Dr. Eli Newberger with our Children’s Champion Award and celebrated our FOCUS Program work…
Read MoreFOC stays laser focused on policy advocacy; updated “Failing Our Kids” report
We continue to advocate for a foster care review office that is independent of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). It has been an internal unit staffed by DCF…
Read MoreA Bridge to Boston
After 31 years of advocating from our base in western Massachusetts, Friends of Children is creating a second home for our impactful services and advocacy in Greater Boston! We’ll expand…
Read MoreUpcoming Events: Trainings & Fundraisers
CASA Training Series The CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) program will begin a six-week training series this month that lays the groundwork for volunteers to become CASAs. Upon successful completion of…
Read MoreDynamic New Staff Bring Expertise and Energy
Friends of Children is pleased to welcome several new key staff members, as we continue to strengthen our services to and advocacy for vulnerable children. Jeffrey Rivkin, MSW, joined in…
Read MoreDCF FY2021 Annual Report Raises More Serious Questions Than It Answers
Friends of Children conducted a review of the recently released FY2021 Annual Report of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF)—and the problems with the report itself, much less…
Read MoreWith Purpose, We Thrive
As this strange winter sees so many of us continuing to cope with the various challenges imposed by COVID, I can’t help but think how important it is to keep…
Read MoreMake Supporting Vulnerable Children an Ongoing Reflection of Who You Are
“A foster child/teen already has so much emotional baggage, the last thing they need is the shame felt by seeming different to others. Friends of Children works tirelessly to instill…
Read MoreSupport Friends of Children Through “Race Your Way”
October 24-31, 2021 for the second year in a row, Friends of Children is taking its virtual race event on the road! Race Your Way enables supporters to create their…
Read MoreAmherst Area Chamber Golf Tournament is A Hole-In-One for Friends of Children
Community leaders and golf enthusiasts took to the greens at Cold Spring Orchards in Belchertown, MA on July 23 to raise some green for Friends of Children. Honored to be…
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