- UFC Pathways Program Alumni
- 89% of active Pathways Alumni are in stable housing
- 74% of active Pathways Alumni are employed
- General Population of Foster Youth
- 36% of foster youth are homeless within 18 months of leaving care
- 51% of foster youth are unemployed within 3 years of leaving care
2009-2010 Pathways Program Highlights
In 2009-2010, UFC continued to enhance the clinical capacity of our Pathways staff through strategic hiring and training. UFC also increased the availability of on-site mental health services for current residents and for program alumni. In response to the challenging job market, UFC’s Career Development team was more aggressive in their approach to serving youth, providing intense job training and additional support for educational attainment. We are continuing to serve more youth through the expansion of Pathways and the development of new housing sites.
> Over 300 foster youth received housing, referral, alumni and other services through the Pathways Program.
Increase in Mental Health Services
A Clinical Supervisor was hired to provide support to the counseling staff and coordination of overall program compliance. Advocacy Counselors participated in frequent group and individual clinical consultations and staff trainings on subjects crucial to working with youth. UFC continues to invest in additional professionals including an on-site therapist.
> 700 hours of mental health services were provided to Pathways residents and alumni.
Pathways Installs an Edible Garden
An exciting project for our Pathways Program, residents and volunteers joined together to plant an edible garden at one of the Whittier housing sites. Residents learned about healthy eating and continue to harvest produce from the garden to prepare meals on a regular basis.
Pathways Reaches Out to the Community Throughout the Year
Pathways staff served on the planning committee for the California Wellness Foundation conference targeting TAY (Transition Age Youth) Service Providers. UFC’s President and Director of Transitional Housing presented UFC services to the Long Beach Commission on Youth and Children. Pathways Intake Coordinator provided outreach, resource materials and information at the East Dominguez Blockwatch Fair.
> Staff and residents participated in over 20 community events, conferences and workshops to present valuable information on UFC’s Pathways Program.
Creation of Employment & Educational Opportunities
To help our youth secure internships or employment in an increasingly difficult environment, a summer internship program was established with Warner Bros. and partnerships were formed with the Whittier Transition Resource Center, SASSFA (Southeast Area Social Services Funding Authority), the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and the Youth Entrepreneurial Program. Youth participated in local job fairs to help build their self-confidence in networking, interviewing and job searching and unemployed youth attended weekly workshops. Residents pursued opportunities to increase their educational attainment and Pathways hired an on-site tutor to assist youth in obtaining their GED.
> Nearly 700 hours of career and educational services were provided to Pathways residents and alumni. 39 youth received jobs or internships resulting in 65% of Pathways residents employed.
Construction Begins on Long Beach Housing Project
In partnership with LINC Housing Corp. and the City of Long Beach, UFC’s redevelopment of the Palace Hotel will bring our Pathways Program to Long Beach, providing housing and services to an additional 13 youth in 2011. A highlight of the wall breaking ceremony was a Pathways Alumna, who shared her experiences as a past participant and highlighted the need to support such an important project.
Permanent Housing Site Opens
Located in the Dominguez Hills/Inglewood area, ten alumni from UFC's Housing and Education Programs moved into Casa Dominguez. This is the first housing community to provide permanent, affordable housing for former foster youth in Los Angeles County.
