FRIENDS: The National Association for 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.

Join us at our 26th Annual Convention July 13-15, 2023 in Chicago

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

13 july 2023 – 15 july 2023

FRIENDS 26th Annual Convention

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago O’Hare Rosemont

Connect with kids, parents, siblings, and SLPs all hoping for the same unforgettable time as you. When you leave on Sunday, we are positive you will tell your new FRIENDS how happy you are that you decided to come to a FRIENDS convention, followed by a ‘See you next year!’ You can expect this to be an amazing three-days of laughter, education, tears, support, hugs, and FRIENDSHIP. Registration is now open!

Pittsburgh Penguins Watch Party!

Apr. 1, 2023 | 3-6 PM | Gibsonia, PA

Join us for a fun afternoon in as we watch our friend, Bryan Rust, and the Penguins take on the Bruins! Reconnect with old friends, meet new friends in the stuttering community, and cheer on the Pens! Light refreshments and appetizers will be provided.

Photo Credit: Michael Miller

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

We felt like we ‘belonged’ as soon as we arrived at the hotel. We benefitted so much from hearing of other families’ journeys, their challenges and their victories.

– John, convention attendee

Volunteer or Donate Today!

Get InvolvedDonate

FRIENDS

FRIENDS: The National Association of Young People Who Stutter is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization under section 501(c)3.

Contact Us

FRIENDS
23429 County Road 1
Berthoud, CO 80513

friends@friendswhostutter.org

Skip to content