Duncan Campbell

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For years Friends of the Children, founded by Purpose Prize winner Duncan Campbell, has attracted attention and praise.

And the kudos keep coming: The New York Times just showcased the organization – which pays mentors to work with a small number of disadvantaged children for as long as 12 years – for its impact.

Campbell himself suffered from a difficult childhood. His parents were alcoholics; his father had served time. Campbell wanted to help kids living through similar experiences. Friends of the Children, which he founded after his midlife career, connects at-risk youths (at age 5 or 6) each with a skilled mentor who provides a positive, consistent relationship the child may lack at home.

Take a look at the Times’ two recent articles by David Bornstein, author of How to Change the World and founder of news site Dowser.org, and learn more about a program that’s doing such impressive work across the country.

• "For Children at Risk, Mentors Who Stay"
• "Forging a Life-Changing Bond"

Stay tuned. We’ll be announcing winners of the 2011 Purpose Prize in early November.