|
|
|
May 2012 Volume 7 Issue 5
|
|
Happy Mother's Day!
What a perfect opportunity to celebrate the young mothers of the families who seek out MFP's support, as well as acknowledge those in our lives who nurture us, the community and beyond. The youth at MFP are far too often disconnected from their families; please join us this Mother's Day in our efforts to remind these young moms that they are worthy of great celebration and support!
You can honor a mother or someone who fills this special role with a Limited Edition eCard. Simply make a $25 gift to MFP between now and May 13th, and we'll send them a card as a thank you for their inspiration!
The artwork featured in your personalized card was created by a young person in MFP art workshop, and your gift will make a huge impact in the lives of the homeless youth we serve.
Let them know how much you appreciate them on Mother's Day with a gift that's more beautiful than a bouquet and more meaningful than than a greeting card.
Call Alexis at (323) 908-0011 X110 or email amcleod@myfriendsplace.org to get started.
|
|
MFP Project Highlight:
PARENTING PROGRAM
Imagine coming into parenting without a supportive family to call your own. My Friend's Place has witnessed this critical moment in many young people's lives. Many years ago, we were moved into action and established our parenting program. Today, MFP's Parenting Program is a 20-week curriculum offered in partnership with Vista Del Mar/Home Safe. Through this program we now witnessed magical transformations in the young parents and their childrens' lives. We've seen mothers and fathers learn to co-parent harmoniously and develop beautiful attachments to their children. The ultimate goal of the parenting program is to provide homeless youth with the opportunities, resources and community to build their own stable, healthy and thriving families.
Our Parenting Program offers new and expecting parents:
1) One-on-one counseling and case management with a Child Development Specialist and MFP's Clinical Director.
2) Weekly Parenting Education Workshop, Parenting Therapy Group, Child Playgroup and Special Events
3) Emergency necessities such as food and formula, clothing, nursing supplies, hygiene products, and transportation resources
4) On-site health care, therapy and legal aid to young parents and their children through pro-bono collaborations with Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Saban Free Clinic and Los Angeles Public Counsel.
|
In honor of Mom's Day approaching, MFP announces our Inaugural Mother's Day Brunch! We are treating new moms, and moms-to-be, with an extra special celebration! We wanted to start a tradition to give the young mothers something to look forward to in their sometimes chaotic lives. Our hope is to create positive feelings and fond memories and promote a sense of belonging and a sense of safety and security for our young families. At MFP, we are so honored to share in this journey with them. On Friday, May 11th, 25 MFP moms will enjoy brunch followed by an afternoon of entertainment and pampering, sponsored by new MFP Board Member, Cheryl Hayward. |
|
Parenting Program Wish List
Let's share some love with the parents at MFP for Mother's Day! Here is is a list of the items that will help us to assist young parents and their children:
- Strollers/car seats
-
Jars of food
-
Breast feeding pads
-
Pacifiers
-
Baby first aid kits
-
Diapers (size 6)
-
Pull-Ups (all sizes)
- Wipes
- New or gently used clothing (toddler sizes)
- Grocery store gift cards
Check out some other ways to give:
|
|
MFP Hikes Mount Hollywood!
On Saturday, April 21st, over 20 hikers (and one dog) showed up to get their hearts working for a great cause! It was a beautiful day and we raised nearly $600 to support the vital services MFP provides to young people in Hollywood.
Thank you to all who participated in our
3rd Annual Hollywood Hike!
|
|
| 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 |
|
Word From the Streets
A Few Things I've Learned
Life is a teacher. I am learning so much. I am gaining more self-control in the face of opposition and calm in the middle of the storm. Some helpful things I've learned and I'm sure to remember and would like to share with others are:
The word is not always logical
The problems and challenges almost never resolve themselves.
The main difference between your problems and the most tragic situations we hear or read about are the results, not the behaviors that lead up to it.
This I have found when I address my problems with a real-world focus on results, not intentions.
Written by Merci
In MFP Writing Program
|
|
May is Mental Health Month
Mental Health Month Raises Awareness of Trauma and
Impact on Children, Families, Communities
Healing the Invisible Wounds
Trauma includes:
Interpersonal violence - such as abuse, rape, domestic violence, and bullying;
Social violence - such as war, terrorism, and living under oppressive political regimes;
Natural disasters and accidents - such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, and auto crashes;
Serving in combat;
Chronic social stressors - such as racism, sexism, poverty, humiliation and cultural dislocation;
Childhood trauma-including physical, emotional and sexual abuse; emotional and physical neglect; a parent who's an alcoholic or addicted to other drugs; a mother who's been battered; a family member in prison or diagnosed with mental illness; and a loss of a parent through divorce or abandonment.
A movement for trauma-informed care has emerged to ensure that trauma is recognized and treated and that survivors are not re-victimized when they seek care. Invisible wounds caused by traumatic experiences can heal with the proper treatment, support and self-care.
At MFP, trauma-informed care is fundamental to our work with the youth. This approach considers the past sexual and physical abuse and other trauma-inducing experiences shared by a large segment of the young people we serve. This sensitivity affords us the knowledge, patience, compassion, determination and creativity necessary to engage the youth in establishing healthy attachment, self-regulation and developmental skill competency.
|
|
Volunteer of the Month
Annah Hand 
Volunteer Annah Hand found out about My Friend's Place through an online search after learning about the high incident rate of foster children becoming homeless. "Sometimes, it just isn't fair what happens to people" Annah shares, "and instead of lamenting these woes, or decrying that the government should be doing more, you have the opportunity to help turn the tides of that unjust inequality". Serving as a volunteer in the day room, raising funds through clothing donations, supporting the employment programs and sharing
her knowledge
and experiences with the young people at MFP, Annah has been making an incredible impact in the community. Describing her efforts as a renewed sense of purpose, Annah claims "Every day is an adventure...but if I can help one person in getting a GED, or help them get into school, or find an outfit that helps get them a job, or tell them a joke they haven't heard, well, then, that's enough for me". The staff and youth of My Friend's Place would like to take this opportunity to thank Annah for her assistance in inspiring our community!
|
|
|
|
|
My Friend's Place is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. To make a gift with your credit card, visit our secure online donation page. Please send checks to:
My Friend's Place / Attn: Membership Program / PO Box 3867 / Hollywood, CA 90078
| |
| |
|
Dine with a Mission!
On Friday June 1st, you can enjoy authentic Italian food at Fabiolus Cafe, while supporting the mission of
My Friend's Place!
Simply dine in, take out or order delivery, day or night, and a portion of theproceeds will benefit the work MFP does with homeless youth in our community.
6270 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, CA (323) 467-2882
Treat your office! Bring a date! Order in! Tell your friends! |
|
|
|
