Mission:
To meet identified needs of children and youth who experience state or tribal foster care across New Mexico in order to strengthen their sense of community and help them thrive.
Values:
- Value the voices of those with lived experience; listen to those with direct experience.
- Respect the individuality and privacy of the children and youth in foster care that we serve as well as the families, placements, and other adults who support them. Support the foster parents and professionals who care for the foster children and youth through our programs.
- Be inclusive in our work, striving to eliminate barriers to access. Promote equity in our work, working to reduce systematic inequalities due to race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, language, religion and other categories.
- Demonstrate the worth of those who support our organization as employees, contractors, donors, and volunteers by striving for equitable compensation, timely recognition, and respectful utilization of their time and talents.
History:
New Mexico Friends of Foster Children was founded in 2003 as a project of the NM Child Abuse and Neglect Citizen Review Board after a successful Duffels and Diapers drive which collected and distributed over 3,100 pieces of luggage and 14,200 diapers to children in foster care. Friends was incorporated in 2009 as an independent nonprofit, receiving 501(c)3 status from the IRS. Our goal is to support children and youth to engage in activities that will make a difference in their lives and to help them succeed in their education and future.
