At Blueprint Commercial, we pride ourselves on helping non-profits find the perfect space to grow their business and further their mission. This month, we are thrilled to spotlight Dr. Betty Handy, Executive Director of Friends of the Children Philadelphia, an organization making waves in the community by empowering young children to thrive.

Handy's Journey

A native Philadelphian, Dr. Handy grew up in Germantown with dreams of becoming a child psychologist. However, her career path led her through diverse fields—starting in finance and then transitioning into many facets of education, including GED prep. "I loved this work because I could connect with individuals in a meaningful way," she reflects.

Her passion for education led her to a role at the Community College of Philadelphia, where she worked with the Gateway to College program, helping students who had dropped out of high school get back on track for college. "This opportunity gave me the opportunity to remind students that your circumstances don't define you," says Dr. Handy. Her experience working with adolescents solidified her belief that earlier intervention could lead to greater success—a belief that now drives her mission with Friends of the Children.

A Proven Model of Success

Friends of the Children is a national organization that pairs vulnerable children, starting at ages 4-6, with dedicated, long-term mentors. Friends of the Children has redefined the youth mentoring field by creating the first and only long-term professional mentoring program in the country. Their mentors are experts in building sustained and nurturing relationships with youth. They specialize in working with youth who have faced a lot of adversity.

Their model was founded on research showing that the single most important factor in overcoming childhood adversity is a long-term, nurturing relationship with a consistent and caring adult. Research over the past three decades continues to affirm how much these relationships matter.

"What attracted me to this role was that it's a proven model," Dr. Handy says. "The program has been around for over 30 years and works nationwide. What excited me most was the opportunity to start relationships with children at such a young age."

The children in the program are often referred by school principals and teachers, identified as having high-risk factors such as parental incarceration, parental substance abuse, or behavioral issues. But Friends of the Children offers more than just intervention—it provides consistency. "These children often have adults coming in and out of their lives all the time. This program guarantees them a continuous relationship with a trained, caring adult for 12+ years, no matter what."

Dr. Handy emphasizes the importance of trust in the relationship between mentors and children. "Having a one-on-one relationship with a caring adult always makes a difference. It changes outcomes. Our mentors are equipped to handle trauma, mental health challenges, and crises—building trust early on makes all the difference."

Building a Community of Support

It's not just about the children. Friends of the Children also prioritizes building relationships with families. "We are not here to rescue the families or come in with any sense of arrogance. We're friends. We capitalize on love. We walk alongside the parents and cheer them on their journey—whether their goal is to see their child graduate from kindergarten or high school. We do not enter any situation with any sense that we know better. We are partners."

Friends of the Children Philadelphia focuses its efforts in North Philadelphia and Kensington, two areas with high needs. Dr. Handy envisions expanding the organization's reach: "My hope is that someday we will grow beyond North Philadelphia and Kensington, maybe even start a chapter in West Philadelphia. There's a lot of need, and we're ready to meet it."

Finding the Perfect Space with Blueprint Commercial

Dr. Handy's journey to finding a home for Friends of the Children Philadelphia took work. "I had spent a lot of time searching for the right space on my own, and it was fruitless. I wanted something that would serve as an administrative hub for our staff and a welcoming space for our children to hang out, read, or do activities."

Dr. Handy was initially skeptical when Blueprint Commercial's Gerry Smith reached out with a few options. "We have a limited budget and were asking for a lot, but Gerry was persistent, and when we finally visited the space, I was blown away."

The space exceeded all expectations. "It was clean, modern, and completely turn-key. We didn't have to repurpose anything. It even had a downstairs area we could use for multiple purposes, which was a huge plus."

But what truly impressed Dr. Handy was Gerry's professionalism and support throughout the process. "He was always available, whether by text, phone, or email. As someone who had never leased a commercial space before, I had a lot of questions, but Gerry walked me through every step. He was communicative not only with me but also with the landlord, and he always advocated for our needs. He didn't just make us feel like clients—he made us feel like friends."

Exploring the Neighborhood

The new space for Friends of the Children Philadelphia is perfectly located in a vibrant part of the city. "There are so many great places nearby for our team and the kids to enjoy," says Dr. Handy. Her favorites include Silk City Lounge, Yards Brewing Company (for those cheesesteak egg rolls), and Honey's Sit 'n Eat for breakfast. There's a great playground at 3rd and Fairmount, perfect for the kids to play.

As Friends of the Children Philadelphia continues to grow and make a lasting impact in the community, Blueprint Commercial is proud to have helped them find their new home.

Looking Ahead

With a new space and a clear mission, Dr. Handy and her Friends of the Children Philadelphia team are ready to continue their incredible work. "Our goal is to keep expanding and reach more children and families across Philadelphia," says Dr. Handy. "And we're just getting started."

“At Blueprint Commercial, we truly enjoy partnering with organizations like Friends of the Children Philadelphia that are making a tangible impact in our city,” said Smith. “Helping them find the right space to carry out their mission is incredibly rewarding, and we’re proud to support those who are shaping the future of Philadelphia."

Want to learn more about how Blueprint Commercial can help your organization find the perfect space to grow and thrive? Contact us today!