Recently, as part of the Pathways life skills program, we were excited to welcome a local gardener who encouraged youth to get involved with their local community garden as a way to improve overall wellness and healthy habits by growing and cooking their own food. They also learned about the power that community gardening has …
We want to give a special shout-out to the Junior League of Los Angeles for continuing to support our education program over the last year. JLLA provided scholarship support for two graduated seniors, Khalila and McKenna, and will assist with college applications in the fall. The JLLA team also supported our education team during Career …
The job market is continuing to improve but is still difficult for some of our new college graduates. Scholars is partnering with Career Journeys to host a series of workshops and individual coaching sessions called “Navigating the Pandemic Job Market” for our college students. Scholars partnered with Career Journeys last summer and the graduates who …
Despite the immense challenges our foster youth faced during COVID-19, 96% of our high school seniors graduated and 21 have been accepted to bachelor’s degree granting institutions. In addition, 19 scholars graduated college this year, with 7 community college students are transferring to bachelor’s degree granting institutions.
Recently, our team paraded in a colorful caravan all …
This Spring, we partnered with Children Now to survey a sample of LA County foster youth to better understand our youth’s experiences during distance learning and their thoughts about returning to in-person instruction. The results confirmed our concerns. Here are some of the survey results:
1 in 3 youth (35%) reported having no internet or bad internet
44% reported struggling …
Here’s how UFC has been adapting to youth’s needs through the pandemic.
In our Pathways housing program:
We’ve provided quarantine kits including safety equipment and food supplies to support youth in staying safe and keeping the community safe.
We are continuing to provide mental health services through licensed, experienced therapists as many youth are struggling with anxiety, isolation, …
This month, the Junior League of Los Angeles (JLLA) hosted a virtual workshop dedicated to informing the Los Angeles community about the child welfare system. More than 100 attendees had the opportunity to hear from a number of agencies and advocates throughout LA County, including three of our UFC Scholars. Our three Scholars, Jaloni West, …
With generous support from the LA County Office of Education, UFC has hired a new COVID-19 Support College Counselor to provide intensive support to youth struggling with learning loss, academic performance, and social and emotional wellness. As reported last spring, foster youth in LAUSD had one of the lowest participation rates in remote learning among …
UFC distributed over $40,000 in gifts and gift cards at our annual holiday party for our current and former program participants. We’d like to give a special thank you to DJ Felli Fel who joined the virtual party and raised over $10,000 through his second annual Felli’s Navidad Fundraiser. We’d also like to give a …
Earlier this month, our residents participated in a critical “Coping with the Holidays” workshop. Youth and staff dialogued about what the holidays mean to them and what strategies can help promote self-care and stable mental health through this unique holiday season. Some ideas shared included enjoying nature, calling friends, checking in with loved ones, and watching …