A New Chapter Begins: Friends for Youth's Brand Evolution
For over 46 years, we've built relationships that transform young lives. Today, we're unveiling a brand that reflects our community, our mission, and our vision for the future.
More Than a New Look
Our refreshed identity isn't just aesthetic. It's a thoughtful evolution that honors our history while positioning us to better serve today's youth. This rebrand represents who we are now, the diverse communities we serve, and how we're building a foundation for even greater impact in the years ahead.
While our appearance has evolved, our commitment remains steadfast: creating meaningful mentorships that change the trajectory of young lives.
Four Decades of Impact
Since our founding in 1979, Friends for Youth has empowered underserved youth across San Mateo and Northern Santa Clara Counties through quality mentoring relationships. What began as a simple idea—connecting caring adults with young people who need additional support—has grown into a comprehensive approach to mentorship with remarkable results:
Over 2,280 young lives transformed through our programs
904% success rate in maintaining long-term mentor matches—nearly triple the national average
Consistent improvements in academic performance, self-confidence, and resilience among participants
Significantly reduced risk of juvenile justice system involvement
Our 90% BIPOC, first-generation American-born staff brings authentic understanding to our work, reflecting the diverse communities we serve. This representation, combined with our unwavering values of equity, collaboration, innovation, and integrity, has established us as a nationally recognized model in youth mentorship.
Through our Mentoring Institute, we've shared our proven approaches with organizations across the country, extending our impact far beyond our local communities.
Why Rebrand Now?
As the needs of young people have evolved, so have we. Beyond our traditional one-to-one mentoring, we've developed innovative programs like Connect™—a school-based group mentoring initiative supporting students during their critical transition to high school.
These expanded services called for an identity that better reflects the vibrant, diverse, and resilient community we serve. We wanted a brand as energetic and hopeful as the young people who inspire us daily—one that feels accessible and engaging to youth, mentors, and community supporters alike.
Our new logo, colors, and messaging framework were carefully designed to convey both professionalism and approachability, tradition and innovation. They represent our commitment to meeting youth where they are today while honoring the foundation that has made our work possible for more than four decades.
Our Vision Forward
This refresh marks the beginning of our next chapter, not the culmination of our journey. In the coming years, we're committed to:
Expanding our Connect™ program to reach more middle and high school students when they need support most
Building strategic partnerships that strengthen the communities we serve
Enhancing our mentor training and support systems to ensure every volunteer has the tools they need
Creating platforms that amplify youth voices through storytelling and leadership opportunities
Developing new approaches that respond to emerging challenges facing today's young people
Throughout this growth, we remain guided by a vision that is both ambitious and clear: ensuring every young person who needs a mentor has one who is prepared to offer consistent, caring support.
Join Our Journey
This milestone belongs to our entire community—the mentors who give their time, the young people who share their journeys, the families who place their trust in us, and the partners, donors, and supporters who make our work possible.
We invite you to:
Explore our new website to see our refreshed identity in action
Connect with us on social media to stay updated on our progress
Share our story with your networks to help expand our reach
Consider becoming a mentor or supporting our work through donation or advocacy
Whether you're a longtime Friend or just discovering us today, there's a meaningful place for you in this movement.
Thank you for being part of our story as we continue building a future where every young person has the support they need to thrive, one friendship at a time.
