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Get to Know the MFP Team!
In each monthly eNews edition we highlight all things MFP, such as workshops, news, events, stories, volunteers and wish lists. But we realized that you might not be familiar with our amazing staff! This month we're highlighting MFP's Transformative Education Team.
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, medical care and therapeutic case management, staff encourage young people each step of the way. 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 Transformative Education Team
Stephanie Pennacchia
Camilla Brannstrom, MFA
Cristina Ramos
Kendra Allen
The Transformative Education Program helps youth move toward self-sufficiency through life-skills, employment readiness, and creative arts workshops.
Our intimate, onsite education and employment workshops provide basic vocational skills such as interview preparation, resume writing, internet job searching, computer skills and GED support. In addition, the team offer employment placement and crucial support services such as transportation and professional clothing assistance.
Creative arts workshops encourage self expression and development through a range of artistic activities. Youth are engaged through circus arts, writing, painting, poetry, storytelling, jewelry making, music and arts & crafts. Participation in these workshops gives young people the opportunity to improve self esteem, while interacting in a positive environment with staff and peers.These workshops also serve as a stepping-stone for engagement in our case management.
Stay tuned for more MFP team highlights!
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OCTOBER WISH LIST
There are plenty of opportunities to support the youth of MFP.
In-kind gifts are always welcome, and we can help you organize a drive at your school, place of worship or business.
Our most urgent needs for the young people this month are:
- Hoodies and outer wear for fall's cooler weather
- Men's work pants
- Men's work shoes and boots
- Belts (for men and women)
- Tank tops and t-shirts (for men and women)
- Maternity clothing
- New sleeping bags and blankets
- Backpacks
- Notebooks and composition books
- Headphones (over-the-ear for use in computer workshops)
- Personal radios
- Hygiene products (nail clippers, lip balm)
- New microwave and new toaster oven
*Occasionally we have other needs that arise due to special events or a young person being housed. If you have something to donate or would like more ideas about how to help, please contact Taylor at (323) 908-0011 x116 or email twilkerson@myfriendsplace.org.
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SAVE THE DATE
United Way's
November 17 at
Exposition Park
Join MFP and Kobe Bryant to help bring an end to homelessness.
Please consider joining our team!
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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
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Word From the Streets
Created in the Painted Brain
Zine Workshop
annette's inspiration
don't worry about people who bad mouth you or each other.
we're all in the same boat, homeless and trying to pick ourselves up. so instead of talking about each other, we should be trying to help each other and encourage each other and pick each other up
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Stories of Success
Highlighting youth achievement at MFP
TJ* began coming to My Friend's Place at the age of 21. In and out of foster care and group homes for most of his life, he distrusted adults and authority figures. He often got into conflicts with other youth at My Friend's Place and did not engage in services beyond getting food and clothing. Over the course of three months, our Employment Specialist worked to build trust with TJ in small ways--greeting him in the morning, letting him know about other youth who had secured employment. Finally, TJ approached our staff and asked for assistance with getting a job. We were able to help him get a job as well as provide him with a week's worth of transportation vouchers and work boots. We have also helped him open an account with a credit union and start a savings plan to put money aside for an apartment. Today, TJ has been employed for over month, and with this new sense of self, his relationships here at MFP are growing stronger.
*Pseudonym
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Volunteer of the Month
Steve Cohen of
Village Pizzeria
Steve, along with his family, is the owner/operator of two widely recognized mom and pop Village Pizzerias here in Los Angeles-one on Yucca and Ivar, and the other in Larchmont. He is widely recognized for having some of the best pizza around, but he is also a great friend and contributor to MFP. Similar to MFP's Safe Haven, Steve views his pizzeria as a kind of "social shelter" where a relaxed atmosphere provides some escape from the chaos, allowing him to serve up some superb pies with an ethic of care for his customers and community. Steve became involved with MFP and youth homelessness because he feels that "if you give a kid a chance and an opportunity, you could be surprised." Steve grew up in Brooklyn, and though he is street-smart and quick on his feet, he experienced many challenges, and acknowledges that a good family and other's investment in him is what made him who he is today. Steve believes in hard work and giving back to the community in which he lives and works. Thank you, Steve, for your passion for My Friend's Place's mission! As Steve would say, "all we are saying is give a piece a chance."
If you'd like to get involved,
Download a Volunteer Application HERE and contact Taylor Wilkerson at (323) 908-0011 X116 or email: twilkerson@myfriendsplace.org
We'd love to have you on our team!
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