Become a Buddy
One Caring Adult Can Make a Lasting Difference
Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported.
As a Buddy, you'll spend time alongside one child or teen during Family Nurture Groups - playing games, encouraging participation, celebrating successes, and helping create an environment where children can experience connection, felt safety, and belonging.
You don't need to be an expert.
You simply need a willing heart, a teachable spirit, and a desire to walk alongside a child for a few hours each month.
What Does a Buddy Do?
During each Family Nurture Group, every child or teen is paired with a trained Buddy.
As a Buddy, you will:
Welcome your assigned child with warmth and encouragement.
Participate alongside them in games, art, movement, and sensory activities.
Help them stay engaged and feel successful.
Encourage healthy interactions with peers and caregivers.
Support a calm, playful, and nurturing environment.
Celebrate progress—big and small.
Why Buddies Matter
Many children who attend Family Nurture Groups have experienced stress, loss, adversity, or trauma. A consistent, caring relationship can make an incredible difference.
When children experience safe, encouraging relationships, they begin to develop greater trust, confidence, regulation, and healthy relational skills through repeated positive interactions. Our Family Nurture Groups are intentionally designed to provide opportunities for these experiences in a playful, supportive environment.
When Family Nurture Group Buddies invest in a child, they help create moments of connection that can strengthen trust, build confidence, and remind every child they are seen, valued, and never alone.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer a child is our consistent presence.
If you'd like to help children and families experience connection, encouragement, and hope, we'd love to talk with you.
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You don't need professional experience.
Buddies come from many walks of life, including:
Church members
College students
Empty nesters
Young professionals
Retired adults
Foster and adoptive parents
Anyone with a heart to encourage children
If you enjoy connecting with children, working as part of a team, and learning new ways to support families, you may be an excellent Buddy.
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Every Buddy receives training before serving.
You'll learn:
the purpose of Family Nurture Groups
how to build connection through play
how to encourage children in supportive ways
how to help create an environment of felt safety
what to expect during each gathering
You'll never serve alone. Our experienced leaders and volunteers work together to support both children and Buddies throughout every gathering.
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Buddies typically serve:
One Family Nurture Group gathering each month
Attend required orientation and training
Arrive early for volunteer preparation
Commit to serving consistently whenever possible
Consistency helps children build trust and feel secure.