My Friend's Place Celebrates the Successful Completion of the Social Enterprise Intervention (SEI) Program

This month, MFP celebrated the successful completion of our Social Enterprise Intervention program (SEI), a two-year collaborative effort with the University of Southern California made possible through a grant of the National Institute of Mental Health.  Through this program, the youth cultivated crucial vocational skills and started a mock small business with the goal of producing future long-term employment. 

In an effort to attract youth who have been historically difficult to engage, SEI programming was multifaceted--running the gamut from silk-screening to music workshops.  SEI instructors introduced workshop participants to the art of photography, which the youth then used to create a calendar.  In one of the central SEI opportunities, the young people showcased their talents in an amazing CD compilation of music, spoken word and beats.  This gave the youth a chance to expose their hidden talents in a safe and encouraging atmosphere where their strengths and abilities were recognized and cultivated into a entrepreneurial endeavor. Perhaps one of the most edifying experiences for the youth was that they were given ownership over the production aspect of the project.  

At a celebration marking the successful completion of the SEI Program, the youth were given an opportunity to express what SEI meant to them.  One of the youth remarked that the experience had been invaluable for him in that he learned how to adhere to deadlines and work collaboratively with his peers.  For many of our youth who are challenged by mental health issues, learning to work together and meet deadlines is an opportunity that they otherwise would have never experienced.  While the thought of seeing a project through to completion was anxiety inducing for many of the youth, they ultimately experienced an individual and collective sense of pride and accomplishment upon seeing the fruits of their labor. SEI has proven a wonderful learning experience for My Friend's Place as well; it has affirmed that the youth are interested in and committed to advanced entrepreneurial programming.

Thank you to the seicho foundation, Liberation Yoga and Clifton's for generously providing a forum in which the youth were able to showcase their talents. Thank you to Special Projects Instructor Cathy Snuggs, Peer Educator Mike Gallegos and everyone from the USC School of Social Work for your tremendous dedication and effort in making this program a huge success for the homeless youth we serve!    

HomeWalk 2011

 

Every year, the United Way of Greater Los Angeles organizes HomeWalk, a 5K run/walk to end homelessness. This year's event is November 19th at Exposition Park in LA. Over the last four years, HomeWalk has mobilized 18,000 walkers to raise support for some of the most vulnerable in our community and to spread the word that homelessness is a solvable problem. My Friend's Place will be there sporting our new threads created by youth in our silk screening project.  We would love for you to join our team!

• Learn more about HomeWalk
• Register to run/walk

Stay Tuned for Cirque du Soleil's Ovo!

For more than ten years, My Friend's Place and the Los Angeles Youth Network have partnered with Cirque du Soleil to bring circus arts classes to the homeless youth of Hollywood through Cirque du Monde, the social action arm of Cirque du Soleil. In early 2012, Cirque du Soleil's big top will be visiting Southern California with its newest installation, Ovo, at the Santa Monica Pier. This will be a fantastic opportunity to experience the magic of Cirque while supporting MFP!

Please stay tuned for tickets to this spectacular event!

Call to Action: Come Rain or Shine...

• Umbrellas
• Ponchos
• Hoodie sweatshirts
• Baseball hats and beanies 
• Tarps
• Shoe store gift cards
• Lip balm or chapstick (unused please!) 
• Movie and fast-food gift certificates

Baby Needs: 

Our 20-week Parenting Program just started last week and MFP has welcomed new families!  Please help us assist the participating parents with these needs:

• Diapers
• Target gift cards 
• Nursing bras (new or gently used please!)
• A baby carrier/sling

 

Masse is making it work for MFP!  Join us at the Masse West Hollywood Boutique on November 16th for a fabulous night of fashion, wine and hors d'oeuvres benefiting My Friend's Place.

When: Wednesday, November 16th, 5:00-9:00 pm

Where: Masse, 306 N. Flores Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Why: The more you shop, the bigger the donation to MFP!  If MFP shoppers spend over $5,000 during the event, Masse will donate twenty percent of sales to MFP.  If sales for the event are under $5,000, Masse will donate ten percent. So please, shop, shop, shop to support homeless youth services at MFP! Besides, Masse styles will make you feel beautiful!  

Stop by for a glass of wine, hors d'oeuvres and a fabulous fashion experience.  This is a great opportunity to tackle your holiday shopping list while helping MFP serve homeless youth in our community.  

Special thanks to Board Member Dana Sims and store owner Melissa Masse-Rosenblatt for their amazing support of MFP!

MFP would like to thank: 

• The law firm of Bingham McCutchen for their generous donation of backpacks stuffed with school supplies.
• Heidi Marie for hosting the Ride Your Bike for a Cause! fundraiser in Santa Monica on August 27th.
• August volunteer of the month, Angel Moreno!