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.

The 21st Annual Celebration Graduation event was held at Walt Disney Concert Hall to honor the achievements of foster youth graduating high school and heading to college. Nearly 130 students participated in the graduation ceremony, hosted by Paul Rodriguez with celebrity guest speaker, Jada Pinkett Smith.  Over 500 guests, including friends and family members of the graduates, UFC staff, board and volunteers and community learders, turned out for the event and enjoyed a catered reception by Patina. UFC hosted a pre-reception and presented 40 students with sponsorships totaling more than $600,000. They will receive support and services from UFC for the next 4-5 years during their college experience and beyond.

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.