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.
Help us make our programs accessible to even more families!
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!
Over the past year, your generosity impacted the lives of more than 800 individuals from 38 states and 15 countries, helping us award more than $41,000 in financial aid, hold our annual 3-day convention, host 6 regional one-day events, facilitate more than 50 virtual groups, and train 232 speech language pathologists and graduate students. In 2026, we’re excited to continue building a world where people who stutter are empowered, supported, and heard.
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
WED
10
DEC
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 ET
THU
11
DEC
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 ET
SAT
13
DEC
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 ET
SAT
13
DEC
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 ET
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 ET
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
