SAVE THE DATE - College Within Reach Saturday, October 25, 2008 - Loyola Marymount University UFC hosts a full day of college preparatory activities for high school aged foster youth, their caregivers and service providers. Youth will participate in workshops focused on the steps of high school academic planning, choosing a school, paying for college and more. A lunchtime resource fair will showcase services and resources specifically available to foster youth. For more information, please contact Gloria Jimenez at (213) 580-1857 or rsvp@unitedfriends.org. Download Flyer       Download Registration Form Download Sponsorship Form more pictures College Readiness Students Visit Angel's Gate Cultural Center In July, the College Readiness Program headed to Angel’s Gate Cultural Center and the Point Vicente Interpretive Center in San Pedro. As part of last month’s self-expression theme, students enjoyed a full day of exploration as they toured the Angel’s Gate gallery and created their own masterpieces during a hands-on workshop. After lunch, the group headed to Point Vicente to learn about the history and geology of the area, including the significance of local whale watching and ended the day viewing native plants on a guided hike. more pictures New Class of College Sponsorship Students Attend Orientation Students participated in a full day of activities designed to help them succeed during their first year of college. Sessions included, handling your finances, choosing a major, and utilizing available resources. A student life panel also provided youth with information about the realities of college life. At the end of the day, students were provided with new dorm room packages including sheet sets, pillows, alarm clocks, laundry bags and other essentials. more pictures 10 Youth Graduate from Pathways Program Pathways graduates, their families and friends, current residents and UFC staff and board members came together in June for this annual graduation event. Ten graduates were honored during the heartfelt ceremony which included inspirational remarks from a former graduate and a special performance by one of the current residents. Additionally, two awards were distributed for Personal Achievement and Leadership. All of the graduates are currently employed and received gifts to help them begin their new phase of life, including IKEA gift cards from a UFC board member. 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 ice skating 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. [[ events archive ]]