Igniting Change through Compassionate Learning
A platform created by kids for the kids
The Friend in Need is a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit built on the belief that small acts of service can create lasting change. What started with two high school students teaching English at an orphanage in India has grown into a movement reaching 60+ children each week through education and meals.
Our mission is simple: give every child the chance to learn and dream—never on an empty stomach.
Our Mission
At The Friend in Need, our mission is to empower underprivileged children through education, nourishment, and compassion. We believe that every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and dream without the barriers of hunger or lack of opportunity.By mobilizing young volunteers to teach, mentor, and serve, we are building a community where service becomes leadership, and where small acts of kindness create lasting change.
Our Vision
We envision a world where no child is held back by hunger or lack of education—a world where every young person has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and dream freely. By creating a global community of youth volunteers dedicated to teaching, mentoring, and serving, The Friend in Need strives to inspire a culture of compassion and leadership that transforms lives across generations.
Our Mission in Action
Teaching English & Mentorship
Every week, our volunteers teach 60+ underprivileged children English and essential skills. By improving their communication abilities, we’ve seen their confidence grow—opening doors to greater opportunities and future success. Alongside language, we provide mentorship and guidance, helping each child believe in their own potential.
Meal Program
Many of the children we teach come from backgrounds where proper meals are scarce, sometimes going days without food. We knew that a better future cannot be built on an empty stomach, so we launched our Meal Program to provide complete, nutritious meals. Currently privately funded, this program ensures children can focus on learning while staying healthy.
Because no child should go to bed hungry
We are making Beeswax Candles to Fund Education and Nutritious Meals
To support our meal program, volunteers handcraft 100% organic beeswax candles. Each candle sold helps fund nutritious meals for children in need. This project not only raises money but also spreads awareness—turning light and warmth into hope for a brighter future.
When you buy our handmade 100% beeswax candles for your parties, return gifts, or to light up your home, you’re doing more than just spreading warmth and light—you’re putting food on the table for children in need. Every candle sold helps provide meals that keep kids nourished and ready to learn.
Our Impact
Children taught weekly
1
kids fed daily through the meal program
1
Make a Difference
As a student volunteer with The Friend in Need, you’ll not only earn social service hours, but also gain hands-on leadership experience. By teaching, mentoring, or supporting our programs, you’ll build real-world skills in teamwork, communication, and responsibility—while making a direct impact in children’s lives who are not so fortunate like you.