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Meet the Board!
Dexter Williams Rod Barr
Board Member since 2003 Board Member since 2005
Co-Presidents
Dexter Williams first visited MFP with board member, Chuck Freadhoff, where he became puzzled by the youth he met. "They all looked and acted as you would expect of high school and college-aged kids." He initially thought, "Why don't they just go home?" It soon dawned on Dexter that "home" was not an option for these youth, at least not the traditional version that many of us share. Dexter quickly realized that "home was a place so hurtful and dysfunctional that surviving risky behaviors and sleeping on the streets is a far better option." This realization moved Dexter to get involved with My Friend's Place and keeps him invested today. Dexter's favorite aspect of MFP is "staff and their seemingly bottomless sense of compassion for the youth and commitment to the agency's mission."
Rod Barr was first introduced to MFP through a long-time board member, Tom Lloyd. He quickly fell in love with the organization and shares of his first experience, "All you need to do is walk through the doors during service hours and you can feel the importance of the work." He adds,
"Homeless youth have been let down by people their whole lives - MFP is committed to getting them back on their feet. I can think of no more important mission than helping people when they are at their lowest and most vulnerable." Rod's favorite aspect of MFP is "without doubt, the incredible, awesome dedication of the staff - they are so passionate and skilled at helping these young people overcome so much."
Rod and Dexter are excited to help MFP celebrate its
25th Anniversary this year!
Thank you both for your enduring dedication to the youth!
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Be our Valentine Anyone who has ever visited MFP can see firsthand that we are powered by love. It is a special kind of love, of true investment in the lives of young people and a commitment to fostering growth, discovery and change. MFP's therapeutic groups help to teach young people to not only love themselves, but to invest in healthy relationships with family and friends. Show your support of our mission and the love that guides our work. If you give a gift of $25 or more in the month of February, we will send you a printable eCard, lovingly created by the youth of MFP. Choose from 6 limited edition Valentines as a wonderful gift for someone special. Show a loved one you care for them as well as Los Angeles' homeless youth. The card will be emailed to you one business day after your gift is received. Simply type "Valentine" into the comments section of your online gift here. You can also make your tax deductible donation over the phone, by calling Natalie at (323) 908-0011 x101 or email development@myfriendsplace.org. Please make sure we have your email address and your design selection. See a sample card here Select your custom design here |
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MFP Staff Celebrate our 25th Birthday with Youth
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Self-Defense Classes for Moms
As part of our Parenting Program's focus on wellness and safety, and at the request of new moms, our friends at Foxy and Fierce offered a self-defense class. MFP moms learned valuable techniques to protect themselves and their families against assault. The class emphasized use of intuition, effective escape tactics and self-defense tips.
Thanks to Crystal Greene of Foxy and Fierce Kickboxing for helping empower MFP moms!
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February Wish List
We had felt the exceptional generosity of our community during the holiday season, but we still have many needs in the new year.
My Friend's Place is always in need of:
- Backpacks
- Sleeping bags and blankets (new)
- Hoodies
- Men's and women's pants (large sizes for men)
 - Metro TAP cards ($10)
- Food or store gift cards (CVS, Rite-Aid, McDonald's, etc.)
- School supplies (notebooks, folders, pens, etc.)
- Art supplies (pencils and sketchbooks)
*Other needs arise throughout the year 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 Natalie at (323) 908-0011 x101 or email development@myfriendsplace.org.
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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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Youth Highlights
So much has changed for Sebastian* since he began coming to MFP two years ago. He shares that he was nearly unrecognizable and going down a very dark path in life. He was using a lot of drugs and had little hope for his future. He struggled so much with the person he wanted to be until he was admitted to a rehabilitation center. "Rehab saved my life," he claimed and, "MFP gave me a better understanding of where I wanted to be." Sebastian participated in many programs that MFP offers, such as Project Legacy, Youth Council, and computer and art workshops. Basic services like food, showers and clothing have also been instrumental in helping Sebastian get back on his feet.
Sebastian has recently been accepted to UCLA, where he is majoring in Journalism and minoring in Business Management. He also loves his job, which allows him to fulfill his passion for photography and design. Sebastian is so excited for what this year has in store for him and "this is only the beginning!" He appreciates MFP's "hands-on approach to supporting the community."
Sebastian wishes MFP a very happy 25th Anniversary and hopes we will continue to help more generations of struggling youth create better lives for themselves.
*Pseudonym
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Sold Out!
If you have your tickets, you're in for a delicious event!
We'll see you on
Sunday, February 10th from 4-8 PM at the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica.
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Volunteer of the Month
Clic k here for more on Facebook
 Matt Lewis
Matt first heard about MFP on Phil Hendrie's Radio Show. Last fall, a career shift freed up some daytime hours, and he has been volunteering in our resource center, providing basic necessities while building rapport with the young people.
"We get to see people that a lot of society pretends they don't see. 99% of the youth are trying to figure things out and don't have the resources to fix things on their own.
MFP gives them a break from the street, some food in their stomach and a place to relax.
Matt describes a normal day at MFP to be ever-changing, adding, "It can be hectic, but at the end of a shift you realize how many people you helped and that's the reward." Everyone here at MFP would like to thank Matt for his support and dedication to MFP. You are a great addition to our team!
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Yoga for Youth
The MFP yoga workshop is back and better than ever! This ancient practice can be an incredible therapeutic tool that youth can apply to daily life. Yoga promotes both physical and mental health while combating myriad issues such as stress, anger, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and poor concentration.
You can help by providing yoga props and supplies. We are in need of:
- Foam yoga blocks
- Yoga/workout attire
- Straps
- Blankets
- Yoga mats
Please contact Natalie at
(323) 908-0011 x101 if you would like to contribute.
Namaste
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