This year, our very own NextGen Board member Alex Caruso hosted some of our scholars for a day at the Grove. The morning started with a private tour of the Grove that led into a presentation with executives including Rick Caruso. The youth then got to enjoy lunch and a private screening at the AMC …
Our scholars recently went on an overnight college tour trip! These college visits are an extension of our Scholars’ Program and aim to inspire our scholars to attend college and equip them with the resources to make post-secondary education attainable and successful.
They visited UC Berkeley, CSU, and UC Santa Barbara and had lots of fun …
In her senior year of high school, Tiona’s determination shines bright. Despite her family’s move mid-semester, disrupting her four-year connection with friends and dreams of joining the basketball team, Tiona remains undeterred. The hurdles she faces around transportation issues momentarily dimmed her “A/B” brilliance, but Tiona’s resolve never falters.
Collaborating with her counselor, she is crafting …
Meet our Hero of the Month, Maurice James! For nearly 20 years, Maurice James has been an invaluable part of the United Friends family and a dedicated member of the NexGen Board. His expertise brings our annual graduation ceremonies to life, creating unforgettable moments for our graduates. By day, Maurice is the Head of Development …
While in high school, Sherrie felt defeated because she saw many of her classmates transitioning into their dream universities. Not academically eligible for a university, she decided to take the transfer path. Demonstrating persistence at Los Angeles Southwest Community College, Sherrie became a competitive applicant for UCLA.
The transition to UCLA proved challenging as she had …
Meet our extraordinary Hero of the Month: Jessica Harris-Merrida! As a first-generation college graduate and a driven Production Finance Executive, Jessica’s incredible journey has inspired her to give back to the community. She understands the power of proper resources and guidance in shaping young lives, which fuels her passion for empowering youth to excel. Let’s …
On July 14, 2023, our scholars entering their first year of college gathered at Kenneth Hahn Park for a day of fun, food, and goodies! Molina Healthcare sponsored a taco truck for everyone to enjoy and also individual “Dorm Kits” with all the essentials needed for a new college student. One of our scholars even …
On Thursday, June 15th, our Pathways Program team partnered with The Wonderful Company to host a legal workshop for our young adults. This “Know Your Rights” workshop covered topics such as how to safely interact with law enforcement and prepare for a court date. The staff also took time to answer specific questions from our …
(left to right) Mackenzie Orr – Community Manager, Olivia Dickerson – Advocacy Counselor, Ebony Harris, Jasmine Griffis – Director of Housing
Ebony is a go-getter. There is no other way to describe her. She knows what she wants to achieve and doesn’t let anything get in her way. Ebony entered Pathways in 2021. She was a …
Meet our Hero of the Month: Eric Jones! Eric realized he related to many of the challenges foster youth face daily when his friend Carla introduced him to the foster care space. Since then, Eric has been diligently working with UFC to provide youth with the necessary tools and resources to succeed in their transition …