On Saturday, December 17th UFC hosted a Candy Cane Lane walk-through for UFC participants, alumni, and their children and caregiving families. This was a joyful and fun-filled experience where attendees got to see each other, say hello to Santa & Mrs. Claus, enjoy some holiday music, collect snacks and gourmet cookies, and choose a holiday …
“I got not only the safe space, but the support to address my underlying fears, concerns, issues, and trauma.” – Antonia Rios
Parents Anonymous, a nationwide network that is designated to improve child safety by serving parents who battle mental health struggles, substance abuse disorders, and domestic violence, has been running support groups to provide the …
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 …
Last month, several Friendsgiving gatherings took place virtually and in person across both the education and housing programs. Youth, staff, and even some caregivers gathered to share what they are grateful for in this season, and simply reconnect and enjoy each other’s company through group activities, games, and food.
Some of our youth do not have …
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 …
A heartfelt thank you to Shari, Jojo, Brooke Friedman, and our Education program staff for hosting a special boutique shopping experience in the Antelope Valley called the SheStyles Event!
SheStyles first started when the Freidman girls began collecting clothing during the pandemic and developed a rewarding way to connect young women facing hardships with clothing that …
Our in-person 2022 Fall Gala was a huge success! Over $650,000 was raised to help current and former foster youth in our education and housing programs achieve a lifetime of self-sufficiency and success.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and supported the gala. Because of your care and generosity, our program participants will be …
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. …
To celebrate Halloween, Pathways staff and residents got together virtually to have some spooky fun.
To kick off the night, everyone participating was asked what their superpower would be if they had one and why. Each resident answered uniquely. Some said they’d have regenerative powers, telekinesis, and the ability to teleport or time travel. After the …
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 …