Programs

• Pathways Housing
• Scholars

• Pathways Housing

  Pathways is an 18-36 month program for emancipated youth who are at risk of homelessness. We offer dynamic and comprehensive services to youth who are receptive to a program with enriched service offerings beyond housing and provide youth with the necessary life skills and emotional support to become financially self-supporting and emotionally stable.

  1. Program Services

     • Furnished apartments
     • Advocacy and counseling services,weekly hour-long contacts with counselors
     • Independent living skills training
     • Educational guidance and career development
     • On-site mental health counseling
     • Apartment/housing resources and referrals throughout Los Angeles upon exit from program
     
  2. Eligibility
     • Must be a former foster youth or former probation youth or both
     • Must be homeless
     • Must be 18-24 years old
     • Must complete a Next Step Tool Assessment with an Access Point Center:  https://www.lahsa.org/documents?id=2760-ces-access-point-directory.pdf&ref=ces
     • Must be matched to an open bed in our program by a Regional Coordinator Care Matchers: https://www.lahsa.org/documents?id=2941-countywide-ces-matcher-list&ref=ces
  3. Coordinated Entry System Access Points, Emergency Shelters, and Resources

     The closest Coordinated Entry System (CES) Access Point to our offices where you can complete the Next Step Tool is My Friend’s Place. Their phone number is 323-908-0011 and they are located at 5850 Hollywood Blvd. If you are in need of emergency shelter, the closest option to us for youth is Covenant House. Their phone number is 323-461-3131 and they are located at 1325 N. Western Ave.

     If you need more options for emergency shelter or other resources you can call:

     • Shelter Hotline: 1-800-548-6047
     • California Youth Crisis Line: 1-800-843-5200
     • Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
     • General Resource Information: 211
  4. Pathways Alumni Program

     Any youth who has participated in the Pathways Program, regardless of time and reason for exit, may receive services that include:

     • Exit assistance when transitioning out of the program
     • Advanced Independence Training (AIT) for successful program participants
     • Mental health services for 3-6 months after exiting the program
     • Career and education services including internships and job search support
     • Transportation assistance including up to three months of bus passes
     • Alumni events including the Annual Pathways Christmas Eve Celebration

     If you are a Pathways Program Alumni, please contact Romana Veera for more information – romana@unitedfriends.org or 213-507-3428.

     • Pathways Alumni Program
• Scholars

  United Friends offers an 11-year education support continuum that follows LA County foster youth from the sixth grade through the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree. Starting as early as the 6th grade and following students through college graduation, we provide academic preparation and other forms of support to and through college. Activities include college counseling, workshops, college tours, enrichment and social activities, tutoring, as well as emergency and enrichment grants. Students can join at any point along their educational journey.  If grade level is at capacity at the time of referral, student may be placed on a waitlist.

  1. Program Services
     • Long-term relationships – to surround you with a community of people who care deeply about you and your future.
     • Workshops – to build your college readiness skills and build relationships with your peers.
     • College tours – to help you figure out what you want in a college and what you need to do to get there.
     • Enrichment financial grants –  to expand your world through hands on experiences.
     • Tutoring and test preparation – to give you the tools you need to find success in school.
     • College and financial aid application support – to help you navigate your way through application season with less stress and increase your chances of college acceptance and more financial support.
     • Career exploration and development – to align your interests, strengths, and desires with career path.
     • Persistence grants – to help through the hard times that inevitably arise.
  2. When & How to Join

     The Scholars Program accepts new students throughout their educational journey. Applicants must:

     • Be a LA County foster youth with an open case (including reunification and family maintenance) or those in Kinship or Legal Guardianship placements.

      

     Students with IEps are gladly welcomed into our program. Given the limitations of our program however, students on a high school certificate track, or receiving any of the following services are not eligible, given their needs exceed the supports and accommodations our program offers.

     • Student spends over 50% of their school time in a Special Day Class (SDC)
     • Student participates in Extended School Year (ESY) or
     • Student has a on-on-one aide

      

     Current College students – applicants must:

     • Be a current or former Los Angeles County foster youth who is/was ILP eligible and under the age of 24 years old (including Kin-GAP, ILP eligible legal guardianship, or adoption);

     To submit a referral now CLICK HERE.

     For more information, please contact us at 213-580-1850 or scholars@unitedfriends.org.

     • Referral Form - All Grades
     • College Student Application
     • SERVICE AREA MAP

  United Friends taught me what I needed to do to get into college, through fun and informative workshops and enrichment activities.

  —Theresa, Student