|
|
|
|
|
|
| My Friend's Place
Newsletter |
|
The mission of My Friend's Place is to assist and inspire homeless youth to build self-sufficient lives. | |
|
|
| Greetings! |
As we speed towards summer, all of us at My Friend's Place are aware that the need for our programs has never been greater. We're so grateful for your continued interest and support of the remarkable youth who come to My Friend's Place each day.
Thank you!
|
| Summer Kick Off Online Fundraising Campaign |
Next month, when most young people will be getting out of school and looking forward to their summmer vacations, 10,000 homeless youth will struggle to survive on the streets of Los Angeles. At a time when countless families are being displaced by the economic crisis, more children and youth will experience homelessness for the first time.
We will devote the month of June to raising funds to assist homeless youth with emergency needs like food, clothing, safe haven, therapeutic, educational, legal services and other essential resources.
We hope that you will join us in making a difference in the lives of these young people. Watch your inbox in June for details! Thank you!
  |
| Happy Mother's Day |
|
Women with children are among the most vulnerable members of the homeless population. They are also the fastest growing segment among homeless youth. Many of the young people who visit My Friend's Place have a history of abuse or neglect in their childhoods and do not have strong parental role models. But their love for their children and their strong desire to be good parents inspires them to seek support.
My Friend's Place offers this support through our Parenting Program. Last year, we had over 60 children visit MFP with their young parents. Moms and Dads can attend our Parenting Classes, which focus on healthy attachment, child development, infant care, safety and positive discipline. The class also provides a valuable support system for young people adjusting to the changes of parenthood. Material resources like diapers, formula, baby clothes, strollers and other essential gear are also provided.
Once a month, Dr. Anita Gupta from Children's Hospital Los Angeles visits the Parenting Class for the "Ask the Doctor" series. Parents have the opportunity to consult with a physician about common childhood illnesses, nutrition, and other health concerns. Access to medical care in a familiar setting improves the health of children and helps educate parents about ways to better care for their babies. Parents also learn more effective ways to communicate with doctors about their children's health. We are so grateful for the partnership with Children's Hospital and the excellent work and dedication of Dr. Anita Gupta. |
Will you help keep a baby dry and happy? Donate a BOX OF DIAPERS to our Parenting Program!
| |
 |
| Join our June Online Fundraiser
featuring a FABULOUS ONLINE AUCTION! |
June kicks off our Summer Online Fundraising Drive!
Look for a link to our online auction in June!Coming soon! |
| Thank you to our Auction Contributors! |
|
55 Degree Wine
The Actors' Gang
Andrew Christian Inc.
Bellytwins
BeSpun
California Pizza Kitchen
Chateau Marmont
Cheebo
Comme Ça
CS Photo
Dolce and Gabanna
Ed Hardy
Etro
Facial Bungalow
Fur Hair Salon
Ghetto Gloss
IO West
Isla
Jackie Warner + Sky Sport
LA Opera
La Poubelle Restaurant
Magic Castle
Michael Hinkle
Mirabelle Restaurant
Pane e Vino Restaurant
R.E.A.L. Foods
Ruzanna Hair Salon
Salt Optics
Studio B Pilates
Terroni
Zahle Restaurant
and more!
And special thanks to Robin Harrington, Chaim Magnum and all our friends at the Lemon Lime Agency, who made the online auction possible. Thank you!
If you would like to donate an item to our online auction, please contact Jane Cho at (323) 908-0011x101 or via email. |
| A Dry Baby is a Happy Baby |
|
Diapers are not covered by the Food Stamps Program or other assistance programs for low-income families. Parents must stretch their monthly budgets to cover the high cost of diapers, and often babies will stay in wet and soiled diapers longer when diapers run low.
All babies deserve to be dry and happy. Please donate a box of diapers to our Parenting Program today! Thank you! | |
|
| Volunteer of the Month, Ian Gotler |
 Congratulations to Ian Gotler, the Volunteer of the Month! For five months, Ian has spent every Friday afternoon at My Friend's Place handing out food to the youth, building rapport and playing games. Ian has a smile on his face all day long and contributes to the friendly welcoming environment that MFP fosters. He is always willing to chat with the youth about what is going on in their lives or about the newest music. Ian is a great addition to our team and his service is being recognized as we honor him as our May Volunteer of the Month!
Our Interview with Ian:
Why did you first decide to start doing volunteer work?
It's a bit cliché but I was really inspired by President Obama's call to service during the campaign. Though I've always been interested in giving back to my community, it wasn't until the election that I started to actively seek out a place to donate my time and energy. I started out by working with Habitat for Humanity and Brush with Kindness. They were both amazing experiences and from then on I was hooked!
What made you choose MFP?
Jane Cho [the Manager of Annual Giving and Special Events at My Friend's Place] hired me to DJ her wedding and during one of our meetings she mentioned her work at MFP. I was interested immediately. I completely identified with the age group that MFP focuses their attention on and the way in which they provide assistance.
What do you like about MFP as a service provider?
I love everything they do. That being said, I think it all starts with the low-barrier approach used on the floor. MFP is more than just a place to get some food, take a shower or watch a movie. It's a place for lost or abandoned souls to re-discover who they are. A chance to feel normal, included, relaxed, loved...human.
What makes your volunteer experience at MFP a good one?
Every time I leave for the day it feels like I've made a difference in someone's life. That alone is pretty incredible. From the moment I walked in, I felt like a valuable part of the team.
What is a memorable moment(s) you experienced here at MFP that made an impression on you?
Sometimes it's little things, like a "thank you" or a smile. Other times I've had clients give me music they created or stories they've written. Just recently, I had a client call up the front desk and ask for me. It was the first time anyone had asked for me specifically. That client and I had a pretty cool talk the week before, and she wanted to follow up about a job fair we had discussed. I get a ton of phone calls in my daily life and never think twice, but this one call stopped me dead in my tracks and put a smile on my face.
On Friday, May 8, Ian hosted a special pizza party for 80 hungry homeless youth at My Friend's Place. Thank you, Ian! We are so grateful for your dedication, service and commitment to making a difference!
Find out more about our Volunteer Program! | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
