Friends of the Children - Klamath Basin

Friends of the Children—Klamath Basin began as an independent chapter of Friends of the Children in 2000. This chapter is unique in that it is located in the most rural community of all of the Friends chapters nationwide. The work of Friends of the Children is intended to target communities with a demonstrated need; the Klamath Falls community experiences high rates of domestic violence and substance abuse, yet low levels of services to children and families, due to their geographic location.

The Klamath Falls community faces challenges in poverty that parallel other more urban areas of the state and even the country. For example, according to the most recent Census data, 13.6% of the Klamath Falls community is unemployed, far surpassing state and national numbers and showing a significant decline from 2005 (7.7%). The median family income is $53,700 (15% lower than the state median) compared to Multnomah County at $63,800 (15% higher than the state median). Even more disturbing is that 5.4 per 1,000 people filed for personal bankruptcy in 2009, a 154% increase since 2006. (US Census, 2013)

Statistics of this nature show a great need for interventions and support to families, but the circumstances for children are even more distressing. The overall child poverty level in Klamath Falls is 31.7%, compared to 20.8% in Portland and 18.7% across the state. Additionally, 65% of public school children were eligible to receive free/reduced price lunches during the school year, compared to 48% in Multnomah County. (US Census, 2013, and Children’s First for Oregon, 2011) These children must be supported through intensive efforts that are consistent, holistic, and sustained—like our program, which is provided at a level of intensity and quality that is unparalleled among social service organizations.

Education is the best way for low-income children to break generational cycles of poverty and make a better life for themselves. Yet low-income and minority children often lack the family and community supports needed to succeed. They face many systemic barriers to education such as poor performing neighborhood schools, parents with low educational attainment, substance abuse and/or violence in their homes and neighborhood, and disrupted schooling due to housing and family instability. They often face these challenges without the support of consistent adult role models in their lives. Friends of the Children exists to fill that void. A long-term, intensive commitment allows Friends to see each program child through whatever challenges they face. Despite their difficult life circumstances, graduates of our program nationally have had remarkable success completing high school, as well as avoiding the juvenile justice system and teen parenting.

Send a donation to:

Friends of the Children - Klamath Basin
3837 Altamont Drive
Klamath Falls, OR 97603