United Friends

United Friends provides housing and education services to current and former foster youth. Serving LA County since 1979.

[United Friends @UnitedFriends]

🗣️ Many California colleges underestimate students’ real costs. AB 791 will improve Cost of Attendance calculations, helping foster youth get accurate financial aid. Support by April 15: https://t.co/8JY324SeMg 🎓✨

[United Friends @UnitedFriends]

Thank you @queenscarela for your incredible generosity and unwavering support for foster youth!

Your grant invests in brighter futures by helping us provide essential resources, educational support, and mental health services, giving foster youth the confidence and tools they need to thrive. Your commitment to empowering foster youth is truly inspiring! 🙌💙

[United Friends @UnitedFriends]

Meet Diana Rivas, a dedicated College Counselor making an impact at our Antelope Valley location! 💙✨ With a @csunorthridge degree in Communicative Disorders, she’s spent 4+ years supporting youth in mental health. Now, she guides foster youth through college. Outside work? Camping, snowboarding & Disney! 🏕️🏂 #FacesOfUFC

[United Friends @UnitedFriends]

Building brighter futures for foster youth for over 40 years.

Since 1979, United Friends of the Children has been a lifeline for foster youth in Los Angeles. We exist to break cycles of instability by providing housing, education, career guidance, and a supportive community because no young person should have to navigate adulthood alone.

🏠 Over 700 foster youth and caregiving families served annually
📚 Stable housing, academic support, and life skills to build independence
💡 Over 80% of our Scholars participants earn a degree

Because every foster youth deserves more than just hope, they deserve a future! 💫

#LAFosterYouth #LANonProfit #ChildWelfare #FosterYouthMatter #FosterYouth

[United Friends @UnitedFriends]

Meet our Hero of the Month: Dr. Charity Chandler-Cole! 💜✨

As CEO of @CASAofLA, author, scholar-activist, and national child welfare advocate, Dr. Charity is a force for change. A former foster youth, she’s breaking barriers and reshaping policies to uplift vulnerable communities. We’re honored to celebrate her this month and her impact!

[United Friends @UnitedFriends]

Breaking cycles. Creating futures. Changing lives.

For foster youth, success isn’t just about resilience; it’s about having the right support. At United Friends of the Children, we step in where the system falls short, providing housing, education, career opportunities, and mentorship that change the trajectory of young lives.

From securing internships at top studios to navigating college enrollment, the impact is real and it lasts a lifetime. Hear from our youth and CEO about how United Friends of the Children is disrupting cycles of trauma and opening doors to brighter futures.

Foster youth don’t just need hope, they need a solid foundation to build their dreams. 💫

#LAFosterYouth #LANonProfit #ChildWelfare #FosterYouthMatter #FosterYouth

[United Friends @UnitedFriends]

Let’s talk about the reality of foster care. Barriers like housing insecurity, lack of family support, and financial gaps make college completion an uphill battle for foster youth.

Our Scholars Program was created to change these stats. With year-round mentorship, financial assistance, and a strong support system, we’re working to ensure that foster youth don’t just start college, but graduate.💪🎓

📸 repost from karmabloo

[United Friends @UnitedFriends]

What does it take to create a brighter future for foster youth? Support, stability, and opportunity.

At United Friends of the Children, we provide just that through two life-changing programs:

📚 Scholars Program – Closing the academic achievement gap for foster youth across LA County by providing the guidance, mentorship, and resources they need to thrive in school and beyond.

🏠 Pathways Program – Providing stable housing, career counseling, life skills training, mental health support, and more to help young adults transition into independent adulthood with confidence.

Every foster youth deserves more than just hope, they deserve a future! 💫

#LAFosterYouth #LANonProfit #ChildWelfare #FosterYouthMatter #FosterYouth

[United Friends @UnitedFriends]

From the very beginning, United Friends has been led by strong women. The legacy of our founder, Nancy Daly, continues through the incredible women at United Friends who work every day to support, empower, and advocate for foster youth.

Happy #InternationalWomensDay to all the women around the world who lead, uplift, and create lasting change. 💜

[United Friends @UnitedFriends]

Emmanuel joined our Pathways program in 2020, determined to rewrite his story. After facing homelessness, he found the support to finish probation, re-enroll in school, and build a brighter future. With his optimism, he’s saving, working, and proving that a second chance can change everything! 💫

[United Friends @UnitedFriends]

Empowered women, empower the next generation. 💜✨ This #WomensHistoryMonth, we celebrate the voices that inspire change, break barriers, and create opportunities, just as we strive to do for foster youth. 💪

Here’s to the changemakers of the past, present, and future!

#WomensHistoryMonth #EmpoweredWomen #CelebrateWomen

[United Friends @UnitedFriends]

✨ Meet Guadalupe Contreras Yescas, a dedicated College Counselor helping foster youth thrive in higher education!

With degrees from @UCSB and @CalStateLA, Guadalupe is passionate about closing opportunity gaps and making college accessible. Outside of work, she loves the gym, family time, and foodie adventures. 💙

[United Friends @UnitedFriends]

📢 Important Update for Students Affected by the California Wildfires 📢

To support affected students and families, the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) has extended the FAFSA and California Dream Act (CADAA) priority deadline from March 3rd to April 2nd, 2025.

This extension ensures that students navigating displacement and emergency challenges don’t miss out on crucial financial aid opportunities. If you or someone you know is impacted, visit https://t.co/oWQoEgDtJ0 for more details.

[United Friends @UnitedFriends]

We’re incredibly grateful to @ReactionChange for launching an ongoing hardship fund to support foster youth during times of crisis.

This direct giving platform provides emergency assistance for essentials like housing, transportation, and unexpected expenses. Ensuring no young person has to navigate hardship alone.

Thank you for your generosity and commitment to creating real change for foster youth in Los Angeles! ✨

[United Friends @UnitedFriends]

Starting life alone is tough—imagine doing it without the basics. Many foster youth age out of care without bedding, cookware, or hygiene essentials.

For $20.83/month, you can provide stability and support for their future. 💙🏡

Donate using our link below by March 14 to make a lasting impact!

https://t.co/2F60Vwfp7i

[United Friends @UnitedFriends]

🌟 Today is National Caregivers Day, a time to celebrate the incredible individuals who provide unwavering support and care for foster youth.

Thank you, caregivers, for your kindness, commitment, and compassion. Your work creates brighter futures, and your impact will never be forgotten. 💙

[United Friends @UnitedFriends]

Muchos niños en cuidado temporal son indocumentados o tienen cuidadores o familiares sin documentos. Un buen plan puede ayudar a las familias inmigrantes a enfrentar situaciones difíciles y dolorosas, como cuando un cuidador es detenido.

El Immigration Legal Resource Center creó una excelente herramienta de planificación (https://t.co/cY42u5KK8v) que orienta y empodera a los cuidadores para proteger a sus hijos y reducir riesgos.

Esta guía ayuda a las familias a crear un acuerdo verbal de cuidado infantil con un adulto de confianza y/o elaborar una Declaración de Autorización para el Cuidador (CAA), o bien solicitar la designación de un tutor legal por la corte.

Planear con anticipación puede dar estabilidad a los niños en momentos difíciles. Si este mensaje conecta contigo o con alguien que conoces, ¡te invitamos a compartirlo!

Para quienes buscan orientación, nuestro sitio web ofrece recursos que ayudan a las familias a enfrentar desafíos relacionados con inmigración. Visita: https://t.co/azNj374yUk para saber más.

#FamilyPreparedness #ChildSafety #UnitedForYouth