In Their Own Words
In these two pieces we hear from a young adult and a mentor who are both part of our program and share what FOCUS means to them. From a FOCUS…
Read MoreA Gift Of Love: Quilts for our FOCUS young adults
Sunday, September 25th, quilts made by members of Edwards Church in Northampton were blessed and given to Friends of Children to be given to our FOCUS young adults. Two baby…
Read MoreFocused on making a difference
Some children don’t have safe and loving homes that they can call their own. For whatever reason, the parents of these children are not able to provide for them and…
Read MoreInspiration 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…
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