A recent LA County initiative tackles the financial burdens faced by parents within the child welfare system. It addresses the unfair demand for low-income parents to fund reunification services, a hurdle that often punishes poverty and hinders family restoration. Discover how this pivotal change aims to keep families together and support those most in need.
In December, our holiday gift drive achieved remarkable success! Every one of our youth received gifts on their wish list. This was made possible thanks to the generous contributions from a diverse group of supporters. We extend our gratitude to Full Picture, whose assistance secured a shoutout from Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara and tapped …
Last year, we relaunched our volunteer program after a long hiatus due to COVID-19. A total of 55 volunteers came back strong, participating in events such as College and Career Day, Next Gen Trivia, Thanksgiving Dinner, holiday gift-wrapping session, Education and Pathways holiday parties, and more. Our fabulous volunteers helped wherever they were needed!
Each one …
Karen’s journey with United Friends began a decade ago when she was fourteen. Her involvement in the Youth Ambassador Program has been more than just a role—it’s been her way of connecting with and contributing to a community that has grown to be a significant part of her life.
Karen, thank you for being such a …
Last month, we held a Thanksgiving celebration for our Pathways residents at one of our housing sites. Staff, NextGen Board members, and our youth came together to connect, laugh, and share a meal. Together, we celebrated friendship, cherished our community, and reflected on the meaning of gratitude.
Meet Laila!
For over 7 years, since her middle school days, Laila has been an integral part of the UFC family. Her passion lies in advocating for foster youth and sharing her own journey to inspire others. As a Youth Ambassador, Laila offers vital insights and a personal perspective on the challenges and triumphs of transitioning …
A huge heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our 2023 Fall Gala! It was so inspiring and humbling to see so many show up in bright, bold, and beautiful colors in support of our incredible Brass Ring Honorree, Anastasia Soare, and ultimately our foster youth!
With your help, we were able to raise $700,000, …
Recently, our education teams held a “4 Systems of Higher Education” workshop for the high school youth. Vital information regarding how to differentiate between the different types of college options available in California and beyond was paired with important exercises on how to see which college fits each of our youths’ situations best—reiterating that there …
Meet Benji! Born and raised in Los Angeles, Benji is a proud alum of UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Sociology. Now, he’s making waves in Public Relations at The Walt Disney Studios.
As a participant in UFC’s Youth Ambassador Program, Benji represents us at special events and on social media, passionately speaking about his …
This year, our very own NextGen Board member Alex Caruso hosted some of our scholars for a day at the Grove. The morning started with a private tour of the Grove that led into a presentation with executives including Rick Caruso. The youth then got to enjoy lunch and a private screening at the AMC …