more pictures Over 130 foster youth honored at 19th Annual Graduation Event UFC and its community partners honored the academic achievements of L.A. County foster youth at the annual Celebration graduation ceremony on June 4, 2008 at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Of the over 130 youth graduating from high school and continuing on to college, 34 received a total of $435,000 in scholarships from UFC. Mike Epps served as the emcee, and Jurnee Smollett, Tameka Jacobs, John Hill, and two former foster youth were guest speakers at the ceremony. Over 800 graduates and their families and friends as well as community supporters enjoyed the evening program and reception catered by Patina. more pictures UFC’s Education and Pathways Youth Participate in Big Sunday On May 3rd, youth and volunteers assisted in the natural restoration of the Griffith Park burn areas by refurbishing trails, managing invasive plants, and planting new trees. A celebratory picnic followed which was sponsored by Sidley Austin to commemorate Foster Care Awareness Month. Participants were thrilled that Councilmember Tom LaBonge's office secured Ludicrous tickets at the Greek Theatre. more pictures CRP youth travel to CSULA's EagleFest On February 16 students toured the campus, explored the studios and classrooms of the TV, Film, and Media Studies department. They also visited the many booths bursting with information about clubs, academic programs, and student services. Many students left with CSULA added to their list of schools they’d like to attend. more pictures Pathways Hosts 6th Annual Holiday Celebration & Alumni Reunion On Christmas Eve, over 200 Pathways residents, alumni, staff, board members and volunteers enjoyed this spectacular event at the Pathways housing site in Whittier. Guests dined on Smokey Joe's BBQ, sang Christmas carols, and took pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Both current and former residents received individual gifts and acknowledgements by UFC staff. The Christmas Eve Celebration continues to be a tradition at Pathways the youth look forward to each year. more pictures College Readiness Students Celebrate the Holidays With UFC On December 8th, College Readiness students and their families showed off their skills at the Pasadena Ice Skating Center. More than 50 people joined in the fun on ice, taking a break to enjoy a delicious Italian meal and share time with friends. Annual Thanksgiving Celebration Held at Pathways Pathways residents and alumni, along with UFC staff, board members and volunteers came together on November 20th to enjoy an early Thanksgiving dinner and reflect on what they are thankful for. more pictures Pathways Hosts Halloween Events The annual Pathways Community Halloween party was held in Whittier for Pathways residents, staff and neighbors on October 31st. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed complimentary food, games, face painting and prizes before heading out to trick or treat. Pathways also hosted a Halloween bash for alumni of the program on October 27. Guests enjoyed plenty of food, dancing and a contest for most creative costume. more pictures Nearly $200,00 Raised from Celebrity Golf Classic At this 3rd annual sold out event, UFC supporters and celebrities enjoyed a beautiful day with friends and associates at Sherwood Country Club. Sponsored by Richard Merkin, M.D./Heritage Provider Network, golfers participated in an afternoon of golf, followed by cocktails, and a buffet dinner. Special prizes and giveaways included a Maker's Mark trip including private jet transportation for the first place team. To put your name on the list for the 2008 tournament, please contact Charissa Abbay at (213) 580-1825 or charissa@unitedfriends.org. more pictures Foster Youth Attend College Within Reach at Loyola Marymount University On Saturday, October 20 hundreds of middle and high school aged foster youth, caregivers and service providers attended this full day of college preparatory activities. Screenwriter and former foster youth, Antwone Fisher, delivered the welcome address and youth participated in workshops foucsing on the steps of high school academic planning, choosing a school, paying for college and more. The day also showcased services and resources specifically available for foster youth during a lunchtime resource fair. more pictures Pathways Alumni Attend 2nd Annual Alumni Retreat Many of UFC's recent Pathways graduates attended the retreat, joining the alumni services component of Pathways. Held on September 28-29 in Long Beach, participants took part in a variety of activities including team building exercises, self-reflection activities, and workshops led by LifeWorks Enterprises. A major benefit of this event is the opportunity that alumni have to refine the skills needed to maintain their independence and reconnect with Pathways. more pictures Cultural Adventure Camp held for College Readiness Students UFC's CRP kicked of the school year in September with a full day of cultural adventure activities at Global Groove in Santa Monica. Youth participated in a variety of events including West African drumming, Flamenco dancing, Brazilian fight-dancing, and magic, acting and drum-making activities. [[ << back to news & events  |  more past events >> ]]