Jun 18, 2026 — Heather Steinman: Friends of the Children

Bulletin for June 18, 2026

Featured Speaker: Heather Steinman

CEO, Friends of the Children — Colorado Springs — Friends of the Children

OPENING

Paula offered an opening prayer focused on community and youth support. Dick Wilhelm led the Pledge of Allegiance.

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."

— Thomas Edison (shared by Dana)

Members reflected on missed opportunities — noting that readiness (both mindset and finances) is what separates a chance taken from a chance lost. Michael Caine being passed over for a Broadway role was cited as an example of how what seems like a missed opportunity can open an unexpected door.

CLUB BUSINESS

• 80th Anniversary Dinner: Menu confirmed as a buffet. A senior behavioral specialist from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will speak. Tickets include giraffe feeding.

• Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build: Saturday, June 27.

• Pike's Peak or Bust Rodeo: Tickets expected June 18–19, estimated $35–$45 plus fees. Free downtown garage parking with a free shuttle to the venue. Fun zone opens ~4:30 PM; rodeo starts at 7:00 PM. Pay directly to Bob once the final cost is confirmed.

• Lower Arkansas River Valley Tour: Sign-up sheet to be circulated.

• London Theatre Works Trip (January 2027): Two members attended in 2026; six signed up for 2027 (four confirmed). Plans include a "rowdy" food tour — details from Barbara forthcoming.

• Long-time member Dick Wilhelm (joined 1987) spoke to the value of consistent attendance: the friendships built, the community engagement sustained, and the speakers encountered over nearly four decades.

• Computer scam alert: Members shared experiences with a scam displaying Microsoft logos claiming the computer was compromised and providing a phone number to call. Advice: hold the power button for five seconds to force shutdown — do not call the number.

• Marlene's book and YouTube channel (Marlene's Marvelous Minute) discussed. Frank Ulrich's book requested back.

• New Horizons Band Concert: Free, June 27 at 3:00 PM at Mitchell High School — a patriotic program honoring the country.

KEYNOTE: HEATHER STEINMAN — FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN

About the Organization

Friends of the Children was founded 34 years ago by Duncan Campbell. It is a long-term, relationship-based mentoring program for children and families facing significant adversity. What sets it apart: mentors are full-time, salaried professionals — not volunteers. Each mentor carries a caseload of eight children and spends four hours per week with each child, from kindergarten through 12th grade — a minimum commitment of twelve years.

The Colorado Springs office is located at Swigert Middle School, currently serving 64 children across several districts, with a high concentration in Districts 11 and 2. The organization has expanded to Denver, now operating as "Friends Colorado," to provide continuous service to children placed between the two cities. The goal is 64 children in Denver and 64 in Colorado Springs by 2028.

Why It Matters

In Colorado, only 30% of children in foster care graduate on time. El Paso County has 850 kids in foster care — the most in the state — at an annual cost of $55 million. A Texas pilot program showed that with a "Friend" mentor, zero of 24 participating children re-entered foster care over 24 months. A Harvard Business School study estimated that every dollar invested in the program returns seven dollars to the community.

Long-term outcomes for program participants:

• 83% graduate high school

• 93% avoid the criminal justice system

• 98% wait until after their teen years to become parents

One example from the presentation: a child who had been expelled from five preschools recently won a "student of the month" award.

How It Works

Referrals come from agencies including DHS, CASA, school districts, and Head Start. Parental buy-in is essential. The program uses a two-generational approach — supporting the entire family, not just the child — addressing food and housing insecurity and addiction by connecting families to organizations like Catholic Charities and the United Way 211 service. Mentors also serve as advocates in schools, actively participating in Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 behavior plans.

Summer Camp

A summer camp was launched to provide structure and positive experiences (soccer, basketball, science, zoo camp) during the months when school suspension rates tend to rise. The camp also engages teenage volunteers from within the program.

Mentor Recruitment

Mentors typically hold a degree in education, behavioral health, or social work — or bring at least seven years of relevant experience. Many come from military, law enforcement, or firefighting backgrounds. Recruiting male mentors is an ongoing challenge: the applicant ratio is 25 females to every 1 male. The organization is actively seeking a male mentor in Colorado Springs.

Funding

All funding comes from individual donors, grants, and foundations. The organization is exploring Medicaid offsets via a grant from Caring for Denver to help sustain mentor salaries — though this is uncertain given state budget shortfalls. Savings accounts have already been established for each child in the program, with financial literacy partnerships planned as children age.

CONCLUSION

John F. Kennedy wrote: "Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see." Friends of the Children is making sure those messages arrive — educated, healthy, and full of possibility.

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