Elementary school children interested in participating in The Friends Program of Kearney must obtain permission from a parent/guardian to be matched with an Adult Friend. The FRIENDS Program Overview Friends is a supervised volunteer program designed to provide a close adult relationship for children identified as having special relationship needs by their elementary counselor and teachers.
High school students, college students, or community adults (Big Friends) are matched with elementary-age children (Little Friends), and they become FRIENDS for at least one school year. The Big Friend and Little Friend designate one hour a week for a one-on-one commitment. Involvement with family members other than the assigned Child Friend is discouraged.
Parents/guardians must give permission for acceptance of their child into the program and be present at the time the match is made. No match will be considered complete, nor will any activity take place, until parent/guardian, Big Friend, and Little Friend meet and agree on the program's rules. The Friends Program is not considered a recreation but an education for living. The program's goal is to provide an opportunity for a rewarding relationship of trust and friendship between the Big Friend and the Little Friend.
School counselors support this program by referring children in need of a mentor and by providing advice to Big Friends. Counselors also receive monthly status reports from Big Friends regarding their relationship with their Little Friend. If you have any questions, call Jalin Gerdes. The Executive Director of The Friends Program, at (308) 236-2036 or email
information@friendsprogram.netNon-Discrimination Policy and Disclaimer:
Participant eligibility shall be determined without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. All information collected is confidential. We ask the following questions to better understand the needs of the families we serve. Thank you!