When she came to Childhelp’s Alice C. Tyler Residential Treatment Village in Virginia, she spent the first few months afraid to completely open up to her therapist. The fragile and frightened child refused to put words to the extreme abuse and neglect she experienced at home. She was scared silent.

Good friends help each other find a little less to worry about, and the best friends strengthen each other as the friendship grows. Unfortunately, people who might benefit most from healthy relationships often find it hardest to make and keep trusted friends. That’s why it’s important to nurture networks of support for everyone, especially the vulnerable. Read our seven good places to start making friends: