Past Events

A dedicated group of volunteers, staff, board members & youth from our Pathways Program joined together again for a day of planting, mulching, seeding, chopping, marinating and grilling as we worked in the Pathways Edible Garden and in the kitchen to create a fabulous group BBQ. Jewels and Jill Elmore, Zoe Nathan of Huckleberry and other local chefs led the effort to prepare the lunch with fresh fruits and veggies from the garden. Stay up to date on happenings at the garden!

The wallbreak of the Palace Hotel in Long Beach kicked-off the start of construction to bring UFC's Pathway Program to the Long Beach area. UFC has partnered with LINC Housing Corp. to convert the historic hotel into 13 studio apartments, a manager's unit and common areas for residents in our Pathways Transitional Living Program. A retail space will occupy the first floor that will potentially employ some of the residents. The first sledgehammer swing was by Susana Gonzales, an alumna of Pathways.  "Just give us a chance," she said. "We're not going to let you down."

Five College Readiness Program students and UFC staff traveled to Washington, D.C. to get a “Close Up” view of government at work. The group of recent middle school graduates spent the week visiting The White House, Capitol Hill, national memorials and museums, and other interesting cultural sites.  Founded in 1971, Close Up is an experiential history program designed to educate and inspire young people to become informed and engaged citizens.

Board members, staff, community members and friends and family of the graduates gathered together in Whittier to celebrate the achievements of the youth graduating from our Pathways Program. Guests enjoyed a special reading of an original poem "Walk the Stage" by one of the graduates as well as words of wisdom from Pathways Alumni. This event holds many emotions for youth exiting Pathways as they continue on their journey to true independence. However, our alumni know they can always count on UFC for support and services and will have a home to return to.

Volunteers, staff and board members spent two Saturdays alongside UFC youth prepping and planting an edible garden for UFC's Pathways Program in Whittier. Led by L.A. County master gardener Linda Daly and award winning landscape designer Julie Milligan, this is an exciting project for UFC and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated group doing hands on work with the youth we serve. Visit Linda's Facebook page and stay up to date on the Garden at Pathways!

College Readiness students traveled to the Santa Barbara area for an action-packed 3-day adventure full of college tours, educational enrichment, and teambuilding. Students visited three different types of colleges including Westmont College, UC Santa Barbara, and Cal State Channel Islands and learned the differences between each college and how to identify the characteristics that matter most to them when choosing a college. Students also visited the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens, Santa Barbara Mission, and Santa Barbara Courthouse, and experienced the gray whale migration up close and personal.

Jewels and Jill Elmore, private chefs for many of Hollywood's A-List celebrities, came out to UFC's Pathways housing site in Whittier and led a life skills class on healthy eating. The youth enjoyed Jewels and Jill's humor and the invaluable advice they offered on how to make quick, healthy meals that fit their budget.