1996

BRIDGES TO INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM BEGINS / WEINGART GRANT OF $10.7 MILLION HELPS LAUNCH TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR FORMER FOSTER YOUTH
United Friends of the Children is proud to have been a partner in creating the first transitional housing program in the nation. Bridges to Independence, currently known as the County Transitional Housing Program (THP), is a unique public/private partnership between UFC, the Department of Children & Family Services, the Community Development Commission of Los Angeles County, the Weingart Foundation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Today, the County THP is one of the largest in the nation, serving over 240 youth per year.

1998

CAREER CENTER OPENS
UFC provides career services to youth, ages 17-23, that include: resume writing; interview preparation; job search support; job maintenance; career exploration; individual career counseling and career development workshops.

1999

FIRST BRASS RING AWARDS DINNER
Since 1999, UFC has recognized individuals who have significantly impacted the lives of foster youth in our community with the Brass Ring Award. Honorees include Carol & Frank Biondi, Eli Broad, Nancy Daly Riordan, Kelly & Robert Day, Ted Forstmann, Wendy & Barry Meyer, Richard Riordan and Sandra Rudnick.

2000

UFC's FIRST ANNUAL DESTINATION: COLLEGE EVENT
Several hundred middle and high school students attend this annual event hosted by UFC and the Fulfillment Fund. Destination: College engages foster and disadvantaged youth in Los Angeles in a full day of college awareness and preparation activities. Students participate in workshops that include: how to choose a college, securing financial aid, meeting entrance requirements and life as a college student. Participants also have the opportunity to meet with representatives from more than 90 colleges during the college fair portion of the day.

2002

PATHWAYS TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAM OPENS
Pathways is a service-enriched program that offers a full spectrum of support for emancipated youth, ages 18-23. UFC staff provide educational mentoring and assistance, advocacy and counseling services, on-site mental health counseling, career development and guidance, independent living skills training and ongoing personal support. The goal of the program is to equip and enable emancipated foster youth to enter the next stage of their lives in a way that affords them the greatest likelihood of a successful transition to independent adulthood. The program received early funding from grants provided by The California Endowment, The California Wellness Foundation, The W.M. Keck Foundation and The Skylark Foundation.

2003 - Current

EXPANSION OF PROGRAMS + ADVOCACY EFFORTS
College Readiness Program Launched
The College Readiness Program (CRP) not only prepares foster youth to graduate from high school, but also sets the expectation for graduation from four-year colleges and universities. CRP assists foster youth in grades seven through twelve in becoming competitive applicants to top-rate schools.The program is enrichment-focused offering: individual college counseling, tutoring, workshops, college tours, mentoring, special events and summer programs.

Pathways Internship Program Launched
UFC’s Internship Program provides youth in our Pathways program the opportunity to explore career interests and gain valuable hands-on work experience through paid internships.

UFC Participates in Washington, DC Conference
UFC presents its transitional living program model at the Pathways to Adulthood 2004 National Independent Living Transitional Living Conference sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children’s Bureau and Family and Youth Services Bureau in Washington, DC.

> 1979 to 1990