At Friends of Fred, we believe in the unwavering strength of community and the transformative power of support. Our mission is to stand shoulder to shoulder with first responders, military members, veterans, and community members, extending a helping hand when it’s needed most. Together, we forge bonds of friendship and compassion, ensuring that no one faces their challenges alone. We are a collective of caring individuals dedicated to uplifting spirits, fostering resilience, and creating a network of hope. With every act of kindness, we empower lives and inspire change, reminding each other that in unity, we find strength and in friendship, we find healing. Together, we are the friends who make a difference.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBi5rPG00fQ
Help is here. You have Friends.
Lending a Hand Like a True Friend. The FOF difference
What makes FOF different?
It is our targeted approach to helping our friends. Honest, Caring, Truthful, and focused. Real friends are there when you need them most. They are supportive and honest. FOF embodies these principles in all we do.
Some of the ways FOF can Help:
- Transition Assistance for recently separated military members
- Vocational Rehab funding
- Relocation Assistance
- Rent/Mortgage Subsidies
- Training/Certificate funding (Vocational only)
- Emergency Shelter subsidies
- Emergency funding for the unforeseen
- Utility Payments
- Medical Bills
- Vehicle repairs
- Transitional Housing support
The 3 pillars of FOF
First Responders
In addition to Police, Fire, and EMT’s This includes our active duty, retired, and military veterans. Nurses and other skilled care providers.
Outreach in the Community
See a community member, or something in your neighborhood that needs a friend. Let us know, maybe we can help.
Force of Volunteers
Register with FOF to lend a helping hand to our friends and neighbors when they need it most. This could be as simple as a little yard work to as severe as providing Boots on the Ground after a major natural disaster.
Because Everyone Needs a Friend Like FOF
Meet The
Founder Fred
Fred “Coach” Thomas is a powerhouse of positivity and purpose, a Navy veteran whose life reflects unwavering service to others. What began as a call to duty grew into a lifelong commitment to lifting his community. Through volunteer work with the Armed Services YMCA and leadership roles with Aloha United Way, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the American Heart Association, Fred has become a trusted advocate for those in need. His fundraising efforts span organizations like the Humane Society, ASPCA, VFW, and the American Cancer Society, all rooted in his belief that every life deserves compassion.
Known for his “boots on the ground” approach, Fred shows up where people need him most — from everyday community support to leading major relief efforts like those following the Eaton Canyon Fires. Guided by his mantra, “My time on this planet is a gift that I honor through service,” he embodies the spirit of offering a hand up, not a hand out. With contagious energy and a heart for people, Fred inspires others to serve, reminding us that the true gift of life is found in the lives we touch.
“Coach Fred didn’t just help me, he believed in me. When I hit a point where I felt completely stuck, FOF stepped in with real support and real accountability. They didn’t just hand me a check; they helped me get back on my feet. Today I’m working, stable, and finally moving forward again. I owe that momentum to Fred and the Friends of Fred team.”
Kara L
“I’ve worked with nonprofits for years, but I’ve never seen anyone show up like Fred does. He’s the first person to roll up his sleeves and the last one to leave. When our family was going through a crisis, FOF gave us hope, resources, and the guidance we needed to rebuild. Fred’s heart, integrity, and dedication are the real difference. He doesn’t just talk about service he lives it.”
Alex C