more pictures Pathways 4th Annual Empowerment Retreat held at Camp Pali In early June, Pathways youth attended this weekend retreat and participated in community building exercises, recreational activities and a talent show. Guest speaker, Tony Magee led a variety of self-exploration activities during the weekend which inspired the youth to think differently about themselves and their life experiences. more pictures Warner Bros.' L.A. Premiere of No Reservations Benefits UFC Over 400 UFC board members, youth, and supporters attended the screening and reception held at the Steven J. Ross Theatre on the Warner Bros. studio lot. Foster youth from UFC's programs were thrilled to be in attendance and enjoyed the film, written by UFC Board Member, Carol Fuchs. more pictures 18th Annual Celebration Graduation Event Held at Walt Disney Concert Hall Over 800 friends, family members, dignitaries and celebrities attended the June 3 event to celebrate the academic achievements of over 150 foster youth. Youth participating in the event were rewarded with over $675,000 in scholarships. UFC presented over $435,000 in special sponsorships to a class of 30 students. Tommy Davidson served as MC and special guest speakers included Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Michael Ealy, Carl Lewis, two former Celebration graduates and a special performance by David Hines. more pictures Pathways Youth Celebrate Reach Competition Ten Pathways youth were celebrated for reaching beyond their comfort zone to attain personal achievement. They were rewarded with a "Progressive Dinner Tour" throughout Los Angeles, which included stops at Gladstone's in Malibu and The Geisha House in Hollywood. College Readiness Program Celebrates New Year Nearly fifty CRP students, family members, volunteers and staff gathered at Ambiente restaurant in Alhambra to celebrate the New Year with their UFC family. After enjoying lunch, attendees got to know each other through interactive icebreakers. more pictures Pathways Celebrates the Holidays Over 150 youth, volunteers, board members and staff attended the Pathways Christmas Eve celebration. Through generous donations throughout the holiday season, UFC was able to provide a memorable evening for the youth that included plenty of good food, good cheer and special gifts. more pictures College Readiness Program Hosts Ropes Course Challenge After joining UFC for a campus tour and lunch at UC Irvine, CRP students participated in the Odyssey Course, a state-of-the-art ropes course that provides groups the opportunity to participate in teambuilding exercises led by trained facilitators. more pictures Destination: College 10 On September 30th, hundreds of area foster youth joined United Friends of the Children (UFC) and the Fulfillment Fund for Destination: College, a full day of college awareness activities for foster and disadvantaged youth on the campus of UCLA. The event provided students with the information they need to embark on the path to college; for many of them it is the only opportunity they have had to learn what it takes to get accepted into college, how to access money to pay for it and what college life is really like once you get there. The day was also a prime showcase for college recruiters, drawing representatives from more than 80 colleges across the U.S. including Brown University, Oberlin College and the University of Southern California. more pictures 3rd Annual Pathways Empowerment Retreat Held in San Bernardino Mountains On June 9 nearly 40 Pathways residents joined Gail Manahan, facilitator and owner of Core Seminars, co-facilitator Trina Jones, and Pathways staff for a three day retreat. Most of the youth experienced major personal breakthroughs as they were led through a series of lectures and activities designed to challenge their thinking and create useful tools for personal growth. more pictures 14 Youth Graduate from Pathways Transitional Living Program Friends, family and UFC board members and staff gathered together on May 18 to honor the proud graduates. The graduation program included a video presentation, musical performances by current residents and special recognition. Graduates were also given an opportunity to speak about their experience in the program and their future plans. more pictures 17th Annual Celebration Graduation Event Held at Walt Disney Concert Hall Over 100 foster youth were honored for their academic achievements at the star studded affair on June 15. Sinbad served as MC and speakers included Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Vivica A. Fox and two former celebration participants. Donors presented over $525,000 in special scholarships including $375,000 from UFC. more pictures video slideshow Over 300 Attend UFC’s Friends Picnic Sponsored by Big Sunday UFC youth and families, volunteers, donors and board members attended the fun-filled day at Hollywood Center Studios. Guests enjoyed good food and activities that included a drum circle, graffiti mural painting, hip hop dancing and more. UFC would like to thank Big Sunday’s incredible group of volunteers including NBC/Universal for putting on such a terrific event for our youth. If you are interested in hosting an event for UFC, please contact Jill Freeman at (213) 580-1851 or jillian@unitedfriends.org. more pictures Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt Hosted in Whittier UFC’s Pathways Program hosted the event for neighbors from the Coteau neighborhood and surrounding community. Festivities included food, face painting and fun-filled Easter egg hunt. Easter baskets were provided to the first 20 children. 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