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December 2011 Volume 5 Issue 12
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Bringing Tradition Back to Youth!
On November 23, volunteers and staff served up a huge feast for the youth here at My Friend's Place. We're so grateful to all of our volunteers, from those who cooked turkeys, trimmings and pies, to those who decorated the building. A very special thank you goes out to Capital Group for coming through yet again to make the event possible.
Together we created a truly special day for the young people!
 Happy Thanksgiving from MFP! |
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HomeWalk 2011
A Huge Success!
Each year, the United Way of Greater Los Angeles organizes HomeWalk, a 5K run/walk to end homelessness. Kobe Bryant was the Master of Ceremonies for this
year's event, which was held on November 19
at Exposition Park in Los Angeles. 
HomeWalk drew over 10,000 participants and has generated more than $400,000 - every penny of which went toward the development and implementation of supportive housing solutions for local families, military veterans and the chronically homeless. MFP was there to raise support for some of the most vulnerable in our community and to spread the word that homelessness is a solvable problem.
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OVO from Cirque du Soleil
Join MFP for a special performance of OVO from Cirque du Soleil on January 27, 2012 All proceeds benefit My Friend's Place 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 an immersion into the teeming and energetic world of insects with Ovo from Cirque du Soleil, along with a fabulous pre-show cocktail reception right on the pier. To purchase tickets, go to http://cirque-ovo.eventbrite.com or call Natalie Schaffer, Development Associate at (323) 908-0011 ext. 101
or development@myfriendsplace.org for more information and sponsorship opportunities. This will be a fantastic opportunity to experience the magic of Cirque while supporting MFP! |
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United Steps helps homeless youth celebrate the magic of the holidays!
 | | Skate With Me on Ice |
Ten MFP youths are going ice skating at ICE in Santa Monica on December 19th. Tickets, food and rentals provided by United Steps.
Thanks for helping MFP make the holidays special!
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FINAL CALL FOR HOLIDAY PARTY DONATIONS!
We need your help to keep the young people warm this season. Our most urgent needs are:
- New sleeping bags
- New hoodies in a variety of sizes and colors
If we don't receive your donation in time for MFP's Holiday Party on Friday, December 16, not to worry...
Your in-kind donations can make a huge difference year round!
We are happy to help organize a drive at your business, school or place of worship. Please see our
Holiday Wish List to help spread the word to family, friends and coworkers.
THANK YOU to those who have already organized holiday drives:
ICM, Fusion Academy, EMI Music/Capitol Records,
Beverly Hills Women's Club, Four LA, Le Studio, TV Guide,
Curtis School, Loyola High School, All Saints' Church Pasadena,
All Saints' Church Beverly Hills, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, USC School of Social Work, Moksha Yoga,
Eastman Kodak Entertainment Imaging, Grind Mansion,
Paul Kuszynski, Joan Tucker, Dana Wells-Boyd & Charles Boyd
 Please contact
Natalie Schaffer at 323-908-0011 ext. 101 or development@myfriendsplace.org for more information or to schedule a drop-off. |
Seasons Tweetings!
Follow us on Twitter! @MFPLA
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| Mission
My Friend's Place assists and inspires homeless youth to build self-sufficient lives.
Please consider supporting MFP's mission! Contribute through our
Learn more at |
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Word From the Streets
Written by youth in MFP workshops
Untitled
What is humanity
It is our ability to reason
Or is it our ability to see things differently
I believe that humanity is something no one should take for granted
life is a gift so do with it what you will
Whether you believe nothing exists after life or that something does
it doesn't
The point is whether you believe that's all that matters
Either religious, gay, straight, furry, human or whatever you are
in the end it's all the same
life will go on
so make of it what you can
celebrate life for what it's worth
go party, enjoy existing
Love the world for what it is
Don't be told what is right or wrong
Life is what you make
and nothing more
So be proud, don't be discouraged
Let life move on and be happy
Written by PLUR
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MFP By the Numbers
Service stats for
November 2011
- Youth served: 369
- Total number of visits: 1,406
- Average number of youths per day: 70
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Volunteers of the Month
Bingham McCutchen connected with My Friend's Place after searching for some time for an organization that served not only children, but also emerging adults and young families experiencing homelessness. They were originally impressed with MFP's presence in Hollywood as many Bingham employees witnessed the lines of clients outside the agency during their daily commute. The Bingham group has participated in MFP's backpack project, clothing drive, holiday drive, and has provided financial support, but its wasn't until several of them visited MFP that they realized to what degree their help was making a tangible difference in the lives of the young people. One employee, Cassandra Gomez, vividly remembers seeing the clothing closet furnished entirely through donations. "By physically being there, in the space," Cassandra shared, "I felt encouraged to do more." Cassandra's visit to MFP was eye-opening for her. In reflecting on what keeps the firm interested in supporting MFP, she said "I didn't realize how young the kids are. It's very touching. Just visiting the place makes you want to get involved." The staff, clients, and board members of MFP genuinely appreciate Bingham's continued support. Thank you for your commitment to supporting MFP's mission to assist and inspire homeless youth to build self-sufficient lives!
Thank you to the
Bingham McCutchen
team!
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November Recap
November was Runaway & Homelessness Youth Awareness Month in California. Did you know that there are thousands of homeless young people in California?
The California Coalition for Youth as well as volunteers from the California Youth Crisis Line, Sacramento State and AmeriCorps NCCC believe that we all have a collective responsibility to assist the homeless youth in our communities. On November 12th, 2011 they lit up the California State Capitol to bring awareness to this issue. Volunteers invaded Midtown and Downtown and distributed information about Runaway and Homeless Youth. For more information about this cause please visit
Lighting the State Capital in CA was a huge success!
Thanks for your
commitment to spreading awareness about runaway youth in California and seeking an end to youth homelessness.
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