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 …
This month we want to shout out one of our Scholars, Manuel Diaz.
Manuel has been in the education program since 2015 and is now studying at Pasadena City College. This summer, he participated in the TV Academy Foundation’s summer internship program where he was placed at one of the world’s largest production companies, Endemol …
Our October Hero of the Month is Junely Merwin, UFC alumna who actively advocates for youth in care and works to spread awareness about foster care through social media and her website. She first entered foster care at fifteen with her one-month-old son, but despite this challenge, she persevered and graduated with a BS in …
Brenda is a hardworking and determined individual. She has faced some great challenges but has kept pushing toward her goals. In January 2020 she joined UFC’s education program. At the time, she was starting her last semester at East Los Angeles College and was concerned about her housing situation. “I did not want to experience …
On August 20th, education staff hosted an in-person workshop for UFC high school seniors at the Plaza De Artes y Cultura. Youth joined to preview and prepare for their upcoming 12th-grade year. Scholars spent time setting goals for the first half of their senior year along with identifying peers or adults in their support network …
We want to shout out our incredible college graduates! Each of these young people have worked incredibly hard to graduate from college and we couldn’t be more proud of our kids.
Your achievements inspire us every day and we are so proud of each of you! Keep up the amazing work and we look forward to …
We want to congratulate one of our hardworking scholars, Gabriel, who completed his first year at Cal State LA and is now gearing up for his second year. His counselor describes him as being hardworking and responsible.
Gabriel’s transition to college was not easy as he was challenged by his college courses, time management of school …