New mentorship program in Detroit aims to break poverty cycle 98% of the children in the program wait to parent until they’re in their 20s Tags: DETROIT – A new program in Detroit aims to end generational poverty by pairing children who have had adverse experiences with a paid, professional mentor for 12 years. It’s a unique idea that has proven successful in other cities -- and now, Friends of the Children is starting a Detroit chapter. Friends of the Children’s goal is to give children a consistent and caring adult in their life. The nonprofit pairs children who face several systemic obstacles with a professional mentor, called a Friend.