BEND, OR -- A Portland-based mentoring program for at-risk kids is expanding to Central Oregon. Duncan Campbell created Friends of the Children 25 years ago and says his model is unique because mentors – or “Friends” – are paid. "We love all mentors and other volunteers but these children’s needs are so great, that’s why we hire fulltime people. And, you need to make a long-term commitment. When we hire the friends, for example, we say ‘if you can’t stay three to five years, don’t join us, even if you’re gifted, because you’ll just be another adult that breaks this child’s heart'."

Campbell tells KBND News kids start in the program during the second half of their kindergarten year, "Our commitment to these children is unconditional. We stay for the 12.5 years; most of them come from a welfare family, almost none of them read at grade level, they have challenging behaviors in the classroom. And, we stay with them, nurture them and get them to read to level, teach them social and emotional skills, help them with homework and, basically, they become a healthy, productive citizen in our community."

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) says the program gives children guidance needed to stay on track, "To make sure that you have a way, with mentors and others, to allow kids to be with families, to be at home, to have a plan for getting ahead." Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) says, "The ripple effect here is profound, especially when government can't get its act together on mental health and primary health, and counseling."