Ben is a senior in high school and is getting ready for college! His counselor describes him as determined and proactive and his story proves that.
When Ben joined the education program in the summer of 2020, he was behind in credits and starting at a new high school. He was experiencing lots of hardships in …
We’re so pleased to announce Malik Jackson as our February Hero of the Month.
Malik Jackson is a philanthropist, father to his beautiful daughter, retired NFL Pro Bowler, and Super Bowl Champion. Drafted in 2012 by the Denver Broncos, Jackson spent nearly a decade in the NFL as a star defensive end for the Jacksonville …
We’re excited to kick off 2023 by highlighting two steadfast United Friends supporters, Lynn and Howard Bayer!
Since retiring, they have focused their charitable giving on programs that support at-risk youth. After supporting Scholarship America for many years, they decided to expand their giving to include more LA County foster youth and reached out to United …
Ruby used her time wisely and worked really hard during the pandemic to get ahead in school. As a result, she completed her high school junior and senior years ahead of most in her class. But then, the reality and weight of what came next after high school as a foster youth hit her and …
Jacqueline is passionate and determined in all she does. Earlier this year, she graduated from UCLA with a Master’s in Public Policy. Her journey with United Friends started in 2017 when she joined the education program. Her goal was to get an education as a way out of her life circumstances.
She first entered the foster care …
We’re excited to announce our December Hero of the Month, Aida Berduo Berry! Currently, Aida is the Senior Manager of Civil Rights Programs (Title VI) in the Office of Civil Rights. She is also a UFC alumna, a current UFC board member, and was our Fall Gala committee chair. Aida played an instrumental role in …
Before entering United Friends’ housing program in May of 2021, Brittianna was homeless. Going from couch to couch, Brittianna worked a part-time job that did not provide enough to live independently.
“At one point in time, I worked two jobs. One from 10 am – 7 pm and the other from 8 pm to 4 am. …
Through his experience in foster care and extensive research as a doctoral student at UCLA, Demontea Thompson aims to raise graduation rates for other foster youth.
Co-founder of the nonprofit organization Twinspire, Demontea and his twin brother, UFC alumnus and board member Tray, have helped numerous low-income and homeless youth by offering them support and mentorship …
We’re excited to shine a light this month on Candi Marie, UFC NextGen Board Member and the host of our 2022 Fall Gala! As a Meisner-trained actress, TV Producer, and founder of her own media company Candi’s Creative, we are honored to highlight her this month.
Candi Marie’s path to success was less than ideal. Growing …
Recently, 25 pathways residents were celebrated for successfully completing the program. We are excited to announce that 75% of the youth moved out of their pathways apartment and into stable or permanent housing! The remaining 25% have secured safe living accommodations and are continuing to seek stable and permanent housing with the continued support of …