Breaking Barriers Together: Broadway Bank Partners with Friends of the Children Austin
Through mentorship, community and philanthropy, Friends of the Children Austin and Broadway Bank are creating brighter futures for the next generation.
Since its founding in 2017, Friends of the Children Austin has been on a mission to break the cycle of generational poverty. The nonprofit identifies children facing the greatest challenges and pairs them with a full-time, professional mentor called a “Friend.” Each mentor commits to walking alongside the child for 12+ years, from kindergarten through high school graduation.
“We pair children with a full-time, salaried mentor who is with them every step of the way,” said Marilyn Manzo-Dawson, Executive Director of Friends Austin. “At the end of that commitment, our goal is for every child to graduate from high school with a plan for what’s next.”
The model is unique not only for its long-term commitment but also for its intentional, evidence-based approach. Friends work weekly with children on academics, social-emotional skills, perseverance, integrity, and community belonging, all to build resilience and opportunity.
Since launching with just 32 children, Friends Austin now serves more than 200—and has set an ambitious goal of reaching 300 by 2030.
A Summer of Opportunity
One of the most impactful ways the program supports children is by opening doors to summer enrichment experiences many would not otherwise have access to, such as YMCA summer camps.
“Having positive summer experiences is an inherent part of being a child,” Manzo-Dawson explained. “They build community, spark interests and give children access to opportunities that can change their lives.”
When the nonprofit faced a growing summer camp wish list in 2025, Broadway Bank stepped in to make it possible.
Broadway Bank’s Commitment to Community
The partnership began when Natasha Martin, VP and Financial Center Manager in Austin, connected with Friends Austin through Leadership Austin. After visiting the clubhouse and learning more about the mission, she championed support for the children’s summer camp needs.
“Supporting Friends of the Children Austin means the world to me,” Martin shared. “I don’t have children of my own, but I’ve always felt a deep love for them and a desire to help whenever I can. Knowing that my donation helped send seven amazing kids to YMCA summer camp fills my heart. Every child deserves the chance to laugh, explore and grow in a safe, joyful space and I’m honored to be a small part of making that possible.”
For Amber Walker, Broadway Bank’s Community Development Officer in Austin, the sponsorship reflects Broadway Bank’s broader mission.
“Supporting our community is just part of our DNA,” Walker said. “We’re proud to support organizations like Friends of the Children that are creating equity, supporting mentorship and building stronger futures. Whether it’s through financial support, volunteer hours or lending our financial expertise, we’re committed to standing beside local organizations doing amazing work.”
Walker also credits Broadway Bank’s local leadership model, where financial center managers are empowered to understand their communities’ unique needs and, as a result, create authentic, impactful partnerships.
Stronger Together
For Friends of the Children, partnerships like this are essential to sustaining their mission. “We really rely on the philanthropic support of our community to make our long-term commitment possible,” Manzo-Dawson said. “Broadway Bank’s generosity means children don’t miss out on experiences that help them grow and thrive.”
At Broadway Bank, we believe in investing in people and communities. We encourage you to join us in supporting Friends of the Children Austin. Learn more about their mission and how you can help by visiting their website https://friendsaustin.org/ or following them on Facebook, X, and Instagram.