Friends of the Children Founder Duncan Campbell Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Friends of the Children founder Duncan Campbell was recently honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Mentoring Summit’s Excellence in Mentoring ceremony in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes Duncan’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to mentoring that has transformed the lives youth and families across the country.

“More than 30 years ago, I focused on the idea that just one long-term relationship can change a child’s life for the better,” said Campbell. “I’m so humbled and honored that Friends of the Children has grown from one chapter with 24 children being served by three professional mentors in Portland, OR, in 1993 to more than 40 sites across the country serving thousands of youth in urban, suburban, rural, and Indigenous communities.”

Duncan’s legacy as a trailblazer in long-term mentoring is a true inspiration. As Kelsey Lewis, our Executive Director put it, “I am so honored to celebrate Duncan Campbell and his Lifetime Achievement Award!  I remember my first week as Friends - Utah's Executive Director, and how meaningful it was that Duncan took the time to meet with me, a gesture he extended to new leaders. This dedication is a testament to his leadership and the importance he places on the relationships that are at the core of Friends of the Children.”

Thank you, Duncan, for your vision and leadership – and congratulations on this honor!