September 2012                                      

 Gina Murdock, LCSW

Kristine Chavez, MSW

Erin Casey, LCSW, Clinical Director

Pablo Balderas

As part of MFP's Heath and Well Being Program, the Case Management Team works with youth in group and one-on-one therapy sessions to guide them on their path toward self-sufficiency. With a focus on each young person's strengths, clinically-trained staff provide youth with wellness and therapeutic services that address past trauma while working through life's many challenges. This includes crisis intervention, parenting skills and support, benefits assistance, linkages to health care, housing assistance and more. The team has witnessed remarkable long-term transformations in the lives of those who seek case management support, in addition to their many daily accomplishments. 113 young people in the past year have gained stable housing and many more are being provided with the tools needed to reach their goals. 

   MFP MURAL PROJECT          

  Artwork by Evan Mendleson

 

MFP is partnering with the Do ArT Foundation to create vibrant and uplifting murals on our resource center in the heart of Hollywood. We are overjoyed to be the future home to several beautiful works created by some of the most talented local artists. Our goal is to inspire the community and youth who turn to the center for support. 

 

You can contribute to this project by visiting our secure online giving page. Be sure to note in the message section that your gift should be designated as "MFP Mural Project." Your gift will then be used to purchase paint, varnish and other supplies for the artists. You will also have the opportunity to view the murals in person, once they are complete! We're so excited to see this creative project come to life!

Contact Natalie at (323) 908-0011 X101 to learn more.

 

Artwork by Christina Angelina 

Word From the Streets

Created in the Painted Brain 

Zine Workshop 

I was homeless and I came to My Friend's Place and they helped me get my apartment. I moved into a one bedroom apartment last year in July. I am having my second child and I moved into a maternity home for women. They helped me get housing, save my money, they had a high school on campus and I got my diploma. I stayed there and I saved all my money, got diapers and parenting support. 

My Friend's Place helped me with furniture and stuff like that and parenting classes. 

They helped me and I still come back, I still show my face. 

That's my life story.

          Words by lil bit ritiam

Click here for more on Facebook 

Dick Johnson

Dick was first introduced to MFP by our Executive Director, Heather Carmichael. Through Heather's work, he saw a need for a streamlined and effective system of checking youth into the agency. Dick noticed that with an efficient intake process, staff would have more time to connect with youth and build the relationships that are so vital to MFP's services. 

The database that Dick created has the capability to register each young person who walks through the doors, but also enables staff to keep track of progress and specialized needs, to more effectively serve each young person. He describes the database as a way for us to "capture the little victories" that we have with youth on a daily basis. Dick finds his work with MFP "richly rewarding" and he appreciates "how important it is to have an agency to build trust among these youth who have had so little of that in their lives."

We thank Dick for his continued support and service at My Friend's Place!

Download a Volunteer Application HERE and contact Camilla Brannstrom, Special Projects Manager at (323) 908-0011 X107 or email: cbrannstrom@myfriendsplace.org

We'd love to have you on our team!