Friends: The National Association of Young People Who Stutter
We are the only 501(c)(3) national non-profit organization dedicated solely to empowering young people who stutter and their families.
Our Mission
Friends aims to provide support, education and empowerment to children and teens who stutter, their families and clinicians.
Our annual conventions and regional one day conferences provide the opportunities for life-changing experiences that can impact long lasting feelings about stuttering and offer new hope for a life with stuttering. Friends seeks to make life easier for young people who stutter and their families.
Our Story
In 1997, Friends was founded by John Ahlbach and Lee Caggiano to meet the need for organized support and education for young people who stutter and their families. Over the years, we have expanded into a national organization that hosts a large annual convention each July and many regional one-day conferences around the country throughout the year.
Annual Conventions
One Day Conferences
Attendees
Explore Friends
Virtual Programs
We are now offering monthly virtual programming, including kid groups, teen groups, adult groups, parent groups, and special monthly events — a time for everyone!
Regional One-Day Conferences
Full days of group activities, presentations, and panels designed to offer support and information to children and families
Annual Convention
A 3-day immersive convention with abundant support, family-oriented events, keynote speakers, and workshops for all
