In honor of Juneteenth, our Pathways residents engaged in a group dialogue about the significance of the day. “Keep on learning” was the theme throughout the conversation. Youth discussed how current efforts to suppress history jeopardizes the ability to achieve a more equitable future for all. The UFC counselor who led this conversation reflected on the …
On Saturday, May 21st, we celebrated our middle and high school graduates throughout LA County. Each youth was showered with love and excitement for their hard work. Graduating is a huge accomplishment for foster youth that should always be acknowledged and celebrated. Each student received a UFC branded graduation sash, candy leis, a gift card …
On May 24th, together with TwinSpire and California Youth Connection, we held a wonderful panel conversation in honor of Foster Care Awareness Month. The discussion focused on difficulties youth face when they emancipate foster care and transition into college. Panelists shared some vulnerable and encouraging stories that inspired us at UFC to continue advocating for …
On April 21st, United Friends hosted their annual College and Career Day for scholars in the Education Program. The virtual event allowed young people to explore career interests and discover new potential passions. Volunteers, including partner organizations, NextGen board members, and UFC Alumni, joined the event as panelists to share their college journeys and stories about …
Earlier this month, the Junior League’s Civic Leadership Forum celebrated the successes and achievements of current and former female foster youth in Los Angeles. The event encouraged meaningful conversations between foster youth attendees and community leaders during roundtable discussions as well as featured foster youth performances of powerful spoken word poetry. At the event, three …
In honor of Black History Month, a time to highlight the beauty and richness of black culture, we want to spotlight one of our very own, Floyd Strickland. Floyd not only serves as UFC’s housing Property and Facilities Manager but is also a very skilled and amazing artist. In his work, he draws inspiration from …
On December 17th, we held our annual (virtual) Holiday Party. Over 200 people attended, including staff, housing residents, education scholars and their families, and housing and education alumni. Everyone who joined the party was entered into a raffle for a chance to win various prizes given away by Mr. and Mrs. Claus, including Amazon gift …
Thank you to everyone who tuned into our 2021 Fall Virtual Gala on November 16th and helped raise $425,000 for our current and former foster youth! The night was an incredible success. We were joined by our longtime supporter and friend, Chris Schauble, who hosted the event. Our amazing NextGen Board member and alumna, Jhamasa …
This month we want to give another shout-out to our NextGen Board member and alumna, Jhamasa Lewis-Adams, for masterfully helping raise critical funds for our current and former foster youth during the Fund-A-Need segment of our 2021 Fall Virtual Gala on November 16, 2021. Her authenticity and genuine love for United Friends came through beautifully …
This year our education team held virtual Friendsgiving holiday parties for all grade school and college youth. It was a fun, virtual social gathering, hosted in partnership with the Junior League of Los Angeles. In addition to playing games to foster cheer and a sense of community, prizes were also raffled off.
Our housing program staff …