At Friends of the Children — Boston, we know that supporting an Achiever means supporting the people who stand beside them every day. Behind every young person is a network of caregivers, family members, and loved ones who play an essential role in their growth and success. That understanding is at the heart of our Two-Generation (2Gen) Initiative, an approach that recognizes that when families are supported, young people are better positioned to thrive.

From a Philosophy to a Purposeful Initiative

While supporting the whole family has always been part of the Friends of the Children model, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the importance of this work into sharper focus.

Today, the initiative focuses on strengthening relationships with caregivers, connecting families to meaningful resources, and creating opportunities for community, wellness, and mutual support. It is rooted in a simple but powerful belief:

The well-being of our Achievers and the well-being of their families are deeply connected.

Creating Space for the People Who Give So Much

Recently, our 2Gen team brought that philosophy to life through a special caregiver gathering centered on wellness, connection, and community.

The timing was intentional. Between preparing for a new school year, adjusting to changing schedules, meeting teachers, and transitioning out of summer routines, caregivers often find themselves juggling countless responsibilities, with little time left for themselves.

This gathering was an opportunity to change that, even if just for a little while.

Through wellness-centered activities and opportunities to connect with fellow caregivers, the event created space for participants to slow down, take a breather, and enjoy a moment focused on their own well-being. Just as importantly, it offered caregivers the chance to build relationships with others who understand the joys, challenges, and responsibilities of raising young people.

Because sometimes, one of the most meaningful resources we can offer a caregiver is the reminder that they are not alone.

The Two Gladiators Behind the Work

Behind this growing initiative are two dedicated champions for our families: Marie Smith, Senior Director of Programs, and Franny Cano, 2Gen Caregiver Support Specialist.

Together, Marie and Franny are the driving forces behind the care, connections, and resources that help families navigate challenges and celebrate successes. Their work reflects an understanding that meaningful support extends beyond addressing immediate needs. It is about building trust, strengthening relationships, and helping families feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Whether connecting caregivers with community resources, creating opportunities for engagement, or simply making space for families to feel supported, their work reinforces a fundamental part of the Friends-Boston promise: we are committed to walking alongside our Achievers and their families for the long haul.

What Does Success Look Like?

When asked what success would ultimately look like for the 2Gen Initiative, Marie Smith shared a vision that extends far beyond any single event, service, or resource.

Success means caregivers knowing they can lean on one another, building a community of support that continues to grow and strengthen over time.

It means families knowing where to turn when they need help, understanding what resources are available in their communities, and seeing Friends-Boston as a trusted and reliable partner.

And perhaps most importantly, it means caregivers feeling fully engaged and empowered to participate in every aspect of their Achievers’ academic, social, and emotional journeys.

It is a vision of families who are not simply receiving support, but building connections, accessing opportunities, and helping shape the futures of their young people.

Strong Families. Stronger Futures.

The 2Gen Initiative reminds us that the impact of mentorship does not stop with an individual Achiever. It extends into homes, strengthens relationships, and helps build communities where families can flourish together.

As Friends-Boston continues to grow this work, we celebrate the dedication of Marie and Franny, whose commitment to our families brings the meaning of two-generation support to life every day.

Because when we invest in caregivers, we invest in Achievers. And when we strengthen families, we create possibilities that can extend across generations.

That is the power of 2Gen. And that is the power of growing stronger together.