|
October 2011 Volume 3 Issue 10
|
|
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Partnership with CalArts!
This month, MFP and the Community Arts Partnership (CAP) of CalArts kicked off the fourteenth year of creative writing programming for homeless youth. Through a series of weekly workshops spanning into May, students in the CalArts Critical Studies MFA Writing Program provide direction in creative writing and foster an environment of acceptance and self-expression for the young people.
Eric Rice, Ph.D. and Harmony Rhoades, Ph.D. of USC's School of Social Work conducted research among program participants and found that workshop attendance is significantly correlated to increased participation in case management, health, mental health and employment opportunities offered by MFP. The study's findings revealed the Creative Writing Program's ability to foster rapport building and move the youth into MFP's continuum of services.
A sampling of the youth's work will be featured in a published anthology, and the program will culminate with a book release and open mic night. Individuals with a demonstrated commitment to the project will be given a special opportunity to publish their own book of work. This project allows the youth to express themselves in a creative, healthy way while helping them to learn how to work well with others and adhere to deadlines. Perhaps most importantly, it gives them a sense of accomplishment that many have never experienced in their home or school environments.
This wonderful partnership with CalArts would not be possible without the dedicated efforts of Jon Wagner, Glenna Avila and the CAP staff.
|
|
HomeWalk 2011
Join MFP and Kobe Bryant!
Every year, the United Way of Greater Los Angeles organizes HomeWalk, a 5K run/walk to end homelessness. Kobe Bryant is the Master of Ceremonies for this year's event on 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, and we would love for you to join our team!
Register to run/walk with Team Hollywood 4WRD |
|
Save-the-Date: January 27, 2011
Cirque du Soleil's Ovo and MFP Benefit!
For more than ten years, My Friend's Place has 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. MFP invites you to experience Cirque's newest installation, Ovo, along with a fabulous pre-show cocktail reception.
We'll start selling tickets to this spectacular event in mid-October. Stay tuned! This will be a fantastic opportunity to experience the magic of Cirque while supporting MFP!
|
 MFP's Camilla Brannstrom Honored at 2011 Angel Awards! On September 10th, Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Studio City honored Camilla Brannstrom, MFP's Special Projects Manager of eleven and a half years, with the Angel Award for her dedication to serving homeless youth in LA. We are proud to have a devoted team member like Camilla, and are so grateful to Jane Wilson of Saint Michael's for her love of MFP and her tireless efforts in planning this event. Congratulations, Camilla and thank you, Jane! All proceeds from the sixth annual award dinner benefited My Friend's Place. Thank you to everyone who attended! |
|
Call to Action: Transit Token Drive
Getting around on the streets of LA is tough--especially when it's raining and cold. Please help us provide public transportation options that are safe and sheltered from the elements. Simply go to your local grocery store or metro station and purchase tokens. Even better...purchase a weekly pass and refillable TAP card. Click here for purchase locations near you.
|
This month, our dedicated volunteer, Cheryl Hayward, treated eight young people to lunch and a screening of Finding Joe, a movie about philosopher/mythologist Joseph Cambell. The film invites the viewer to "explore their bliss" and features interviews with visionaries from a variety of fields such as Deepak Chopra, Mick Fleetwood, Tony Hawk, Rashida Jones, and Laird Hamilton among others.
We are so grateful to Cheryl for finding ways to inspire and care for the youth!
|
|
TRICK OR TWEET
MFP is on Twitter!
|
|
| Mission
My Friend's Place assists and inspires homeless youth to lead self-sufficient lives.
Please consider supporting MFP's mission! Contribute through our
Learn more at |
|
Word From the Streets
Written by youth in MFP workshops
Far from home
alone
In a cold war
everyone acts so bold
Hold your head up
And watch your back because everyone lies
Keep doing what you're doing
Never give up never stop
You'll make it through
Life is tough
And we are all there as it gets rough
But we'll do it
Watch your step
Because demons are lurking behind every corner
Ready to take whatever dignity you have left
So hold on
You'll come through
Written by Brittany G.
|
MFP By the Numbers
Service stats for
September 2011
- Individuals served: 372
- Total number of visits: 1,613
- Average number of youth per day: 77
|
|
MFP Welcomes
New Interns!
Last month, Jackie Arnason and Mike Hayden, both members of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, moved to Hollywood to join MFP for a year-long internship. Jackie and Mike are helping MFP to build organizational capacity, and they've already hit the ground running! Mike has started a music workshop that is wildly popular with the young people, often attracting those youth who are more difficult to build trust with, and allowing music to pave the path for our work. Jackie quickly integrated with the MFP team and began building rapport with the young people.
Welcome Mike and Jackie!
|
Masse
Holiday Shopping Event
MFP Board Members Dana Sims, Mimi Techentin, Joanie Berkley and Ann Blanchard cordially invite you to join them 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! So please, shop, shop, shop to support homeless youth services at MFP! If you are unable to attend the event, please consider shopping during the day. Melissa Masse's designs are going to make you feel beautiful!
Special thanks to designer Melissa Masse-Rosenblatt for her amazing support of MFP!
|
Supporter Shout Out
- We were blown away by the amazing response of those who stepped up to raise $300 in one day for a client. All that stood in the way of safe housing for this young mom and her baby boy was the $300 deposit, and our supporters immediately responded to our call for help. Thank you for your generosity; you truly made a difference in a young person's life!
- October Volunteer of the Month, Gillian Pears!
|
|
