How Do Clocks and Furniture Change Lives?

So just what is the connection? It can be seen through the eyes of relationships...

This now anticipated event burst onto the Concord scene in time for The Friends Program's 25th Anniversary for the purpose of reintroducing this grass roots agency to our communities, to tell our stories of how lives can be changed through our programs.

Over the years this event has met, even exceeded that goal and now counts thousands of dollars annually in revenue (from our live auction of these functional pieces of furniture) to help strengthen and expand our mission of "Building Relationships…Restoring Hope for youth, children, adults, older adults, homeless families and people living with disabilities.

Last year this event netted over $50,000 worth of enthusiastic bids from people like you - and it has resulted in the expansion and strengthening of our programs…building new relationships with people who just need that little extra one-on-one support. This event now turns works or art (a clock, bench, table, etc)… into a meaningful exchange between two people (a volunteer and client) which does indeed change lives.

This story tells it all...

A description of the fun shared between a youngster and his/her mentor in The Friend's Junior Senior Friend Program. Sometimes some simple fun on a regular basis can make a difference for those in need!

Like many middle school boys, Zachary enjoys being outdoors, a variety of sports, being with his friends, and LEGOS. What may separate Zachary from a typical sixth grader is that for most of his life he saw his mother struggle with health issues until last winter when she died.

Any loss can be difficult to overcome but Zachary's loss was magnified by the fact that his father was never a part of his life.

Zachary's grandparents became his guardians. His grandma thought it would great if Zach had an older adult male mentor, so she called The Friends Program. She wanted Zachary to have the opportunity to just "be a kid".

Kevin was the perfect match for Zach. He had many years of mentoring experience with The Friends' Junior Senior Friends Program (one on one mentoring with youth) and the experience of raising three children. Kevin was very moved by Zachary's story and knew that "just having fun" with a trusted and consistent friend would work wonders.

The two have been meeting at Zachary's school each week. Their favorite way to pass the time is to exchange friendly conversation as they play chess. It HAS worked wonders!

Learn more about how you can work wonders by just having fun by contacting the Junior Senior Program at jsf@friendsprogram.org