|
August 2012 Volume 10 Issue 8
|
|
Get to Know the MFP Team!
In each monthy eNews edition we highlight all things MFP, such as workshops, news, events, stories, volunteers and wish lists. But we'd like to begin a new tradition of sharing the incredible work being done inside MFP's walls.
It is the work of a dedicated and passionate staff that truly makes MFP what it is. Each day team members show up to guide, support and inspire transformation for each young person who walks through MFP's doors. From the first step of establishing rapport in our Safe Haven, to education and employment assistance to medical care and therapeutic case management, staff encourage young people each step of the way. For the next few months, allow us to share with you a little more about the MFP teams and the day-to-day work they do to help make self-sufficiency possible for the young people.
Introducing MFP's Direct Service Team:
Stephanie Gallegos
Frank Babich
Kelsey Brennan
Jackie Arnason
The Direct Service Team operates and maintains MFP's Safe Haven. This program provides drop-in services and engages youth by providing food, clothing, showers, communication services and transportation. These emergency necessities alleviate the demands of survival that often distract youth from participating in educational or health-related activities. Through this program, staff take the crucial first steps to build trust and encourage the youth to share their stories and dreams. When rapport is established, the team can make appropriate linkages to case management, mental health services and collaborating service providers.
Stay tuned to meet to meet more MFP teams in the coming months!
|
|
MFP Project Highlight:
THE PAINTED BRAIN WORKSHOP
MFP continues to partner with The Painted Brain, a peer-driven media and outreach campaign created by young adults with mental illness. Since mental illness can be so alienating for many young people, these workshops utilize art to facilitate dialog in an environment where all experiences are valued and celebrated. The mission of The Painted Brain is to eradicate the stigma of mental illness, foster thriving social relationships and create a community of young adults. In these creative workshops, individuals with mental illness are understood, cared about and empowered to make their voices heard in a positive setting.
The Painted Brain's staff of professional writers and social workers works with MFP to identify needs, opportunities, and human resources to enhance arts programming. Youth work in groups and individually on various mixed media projects that inspire creative expression and create community. The writing and art workshop will meet weekly and culminate in a collaborative magazine.
We are so happy to include The Painted Brain as part of our ongoing creative arts programming to inspire the young people of MFP!
Visit paintedbrain.org to learn more!
|
|
August Snack Attack!
In August, will you consider helping us stock our pantry with healthy snacks? We need non-perishable, individually wrapped snacks, such as granola bars, crackers, trail mix and breakfast cereals. You can organize a donation drive at your work/school/shop or simply purchase some extra snacks next time you visit the grocery store.
National Trail Mix Day is August 31st!
Yes, there's a day honoring just about everything and August 31 is when we celebrate...trail mix. While we can't verify the origins of this observance, we still thought it was worthwhile to explore the health benefits of this portable snack. Trail mix is the perfect fuel for young people because it is lightweight, easy to store, and best of all, nutrient dense.
For gift and drive inquiries, please contact Natalie at
Looking for other ways to give?
|
|
|
Mission
My Friend's Place assists and inspires homeless youth to build self-sufficient lives.
Please consider supporting our work!
Contribute through our
Learn more at
|
|
Word From the Streets
BETTER 2MORROW
Today is filled with anger and hate, doing drugs like it's a date,
Watching the crime rate escalate, It's just like a debate,
Win or lose...
Feeling like I've got nothing to lose, when I walk by faith but not by sight,
In search of a better tomorrow.
Words by Justin M.
In MFP Writing Program
|
IN THE 
STUDY:
40% Of Homeless Youth In Shelter System Are LGBT
A particularly alarming finding was how prominently family rejection factored in to the disproportionate number of LGBT youth who are homeless.
- 46% ran away because of family rejection of sexual orientation or gender identity
- 43% were forced out by parents because of sexual orientation or gender identity
- 32% suffered physical, emotional, or sexual abuse at home
- 17% had aged out of the foster care system
- 14% experienced financial or emotional neglect by their family
A recent study conducted of homeless youth agencies in Los Angeles reflects similar trends. MFP's LGBT population was 36%
in 2010, reflecting the national average.
Agencies serving homeless LGBT youth have a great responsibility to help usher these young people into appropriate care and opportunities for wellness.
Future research in this area
can help identify interventions that most effectively and efficiently target the reduction of homelessness among LGBT youth and promote the health and well-being of this population.
Read the full report HERE. |
|
Volunteer of the Month
Bernice Rudolph of
The Ladies
Who Make Lunch!
Bernice Rudolph first became a volunteer at My Friend's Place through a partnership with Le Pain De Quotidien, generously bringing leftover pasteries and treats once a month to supplement food resources at MFP. It was this early experience that evolved into the formation of The Ladies Who Make Lunch, an organization devoted to providing fresh and healthy meals once a month at MFP. Bernice, Enid, Janet, Debi, Marcia, Linda, Martha, and Leslie comprise what Bernice describes as "a group of Moms that love to cook!". Speaking of MFP as "a good hang [out] with incredibly supportive staff where youth can come for help and guidance," Bernice shared that The Ladies Who Make Lunch hope to "give food to people who need to feel as if they're home, even just for one day." My Friend's Place thanks The Ladies Who Make Lunch for their continued support and efforts to bring a sense of home to our community of young people.
If you'd like to get involved,
Download a Volunteer Application HERE and contact Camilla Brannstrom, Special Projects Manager at (323) 908-0011 X107 or email: cbrannstrom@myfriendsplace.org
|
|
