For nearly 30 years, Family Friends has operated at Temple University. We are a voluntary community outreach program that serves eligible, formal/informal kinship households and additional families citywide who have special needs. Families are enrolled in our program free of charge. 

Our program focuses on long-term relationships with our Program Families and Mentors as we seek to decrease caregiver stress and isolation. Households enrolled in Family Friends receive access to in-home/community visits, vital resources and/or beneficial information. Family Friends also provides free/low-cost, chaperoned respite trips for enrolled families. Individuals serving as Family Friends Mentors are community members who are carefully screened, trained and supervised.  

Get Involved 

Become a Family Friends program participant! 

Share your time, skills and interests! 

Join our team of mentors and share your time, skills and interest! 

Become a mentor to a family experiencing special needs. 

• Provide community and in-home supportive visits for families, increasing caregivers' access to respite. 

• Support program in distributing resources to families. 

• Help plan and attend program events and trips. 

• Receive training, attend meetings and work with fellow mentors to create a community environment. 

• Small stipends provided to offset travel/personal expenses. 

Families interested in learning more should contact: 

Courtney Poprik, MSW 
Assistant Director of Family-Based Services 
215-204-3105 
courtney.poprik@temple.edu