All donations to Friends will be matched 2X only this month
For a limited time, every dollar donated to Friends will be matched by a generous donor up to $25,000. Give today to see your gift go twice as far. DONATE NOW ➝
Friends: The National Association of Young People Who Stutter
We are the only 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization dedicated solely to empowering young people who stutter and their families.
We need your help to reach even more families in 2026
Right now, your gift can have twice the impact, but only through the end of the year. A generous donor is matching all gifts up to $25,000. Giving today helps more kids and families feel understood and supported.
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.
Upcoming Events
THU
08
JAN
Virtual Adults Group
Calling all adults who stutter ages 18 to 39. This is an accepting space for adults who stutter to share stories, feelings, and laughter with friends who understand them.
7:30 PM – 8:45 PM EST
SAT
10
JAN
Virtual Kids Group
A fun-filled group for kids aged 6 to 11. Meet other kids who stutter, make friends, play games, and enjoy each other’s company!
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
SAT
10
JAN
Virtual Parent Group in English
A space for parents, caregivers, and relatives to connect, share ideas and concerns, and learn helpful strategies to best support their young person who stutters.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM EST
TUE
13
JAN
Virtual Parent Group in Spanish
Un espacio donde padres, madres, y otros familiares pueden conectarse, compartir ideas e inquietudes, y aprender estrategias útiles para apoyar mejor a su menor con tartamudez.
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST
WED
14
JAN
Virtual Teen Group
Welcoming all young people who stutter ages 12 to 17. This group offers a safe space for teens to connect, inspire, and laugh with friends who stutter.
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM EST
SAT
07
MAR
San Francisco One-Day Event
Connect with other families in the San Francisco Bay Area while exploring ways to support your child. Spend the day building confidence, community, and support around stuttering.
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Las Lomitas Elementary School
SAT
07
MAR
Raleigh One-Day Event
Join families and adults who stutter, share experiences, and build connections around stuttering. Gain support, resources, and community.
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Partnership Magnet Elementary
SAT
28
MAR
Philadelphia One-Day Event
Our one-day events are a wonderful opportunity for families to come together to learn more about stuttering and how to support their child while building community.
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
SAT
18
APR
Dallas One-Day Event
Build lasting, local connections and gain personalized stuttering support with a community that understands.
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Shelton School & Evaluation Center
Explore Friends
Virtual Programs
We offer monthly virtual programming for kids, teens, young adults, and parents — a time for everyone!
Regional One-Day Events
Full days of group activities, presentations, and panels designed to offer support and information to young people and families
Annual Convention
A 3-day immersive convention with abundant support, family-oriented events, keynote speakers, and workshops for all
