December 31st, 2019
United Friends of the Children
The Beverly Exchange – Taking time to learn more about United Friends of the Children with Carla Palmer
Doing good and taking the time to advocate local youth programs shouldn’t be a seasonal thing. Beverly Coachcraft understands the importance of supporting charities. We have been supporting United Friends of the Children for many years, and have had the pleasure of working with Carla Palmer, who is the Senior Manager of Corporate + Community Engagement at United Friends of the Children. She has been with United Friends for 16 years.
We recently interviewed her and asked her to tell us what the United Friends of the Children is about.
Why was the United Friends of the Children started?
United Friends of the Children was founded in 1979 by Nancy Daly to address the unmet needs of Los Angeles County’s foster youth. Currently, United Friends of the Children provides support services to more than 1,400 current and former foster youth each year.
What is United Friends of the Children’s main goal?
Through Education and Housing Programs, United Friends of the Children’s goal is to provide our program youth with the opportunity to finish high school, secure housing, attend college and build the skills needed to support themselves.
What is your involvement at United Friends of the Children?
I serve as Sr. Manager of Corporate and Community Engagement. I am responsible for identifying, connecting, cultivating and managing all corporate and community strategic sponsorships/partnerships, volunteer engagement, social media content creation + management and NextGen Board support.
How has Beverly Coachcraft been involved?
Beverly Coachcraft has been instrumental promoting United Friends on their social media platforms, helping with our brand awareness and getting the message out to their stakeholders about the impact our organization is making in the lives of Los Angeles County foster youth. The company has supported through individual giving from their leadership team, attendance at United Friends of the Children’s special/annual events, and Foster Care Awareness Month participation.
How can people help?
Lunch & Learn
Host a “Lunch & Learn” at your office! United Friends will bring in experts to engage your colleagues in a lunchtime, in-depth exploration of the issues affecting foster youth in Los Angeles. Be an ambassador for our youth by helping to raise awareness.
Train to be a United Friends Volunteer
Schedule your 1.5 hour training! Before we send any volunteers out to support our youth in our education and housing programs, we take time to prepare for the varied demands and needs. After that, we work with you on the best way to get you out and helping out.
Career Development Field Trip
Host a group of 8-10 youth at your office for a career development field trip. Help our youth learn about potential careers, business sectors, and job positions while experiencing firsthand a professional working environment.
Foster Care Awareness Month
Lead a peer-to-peer or client ask fundraiser during the month of May for “Foster Care Awareness Month.” This could be done via social media, a charity fundraising website, at the office, or simply at a home with a fun idea and a fabulous group of friends.
If interested in any of the above, please contact Carla Palmer at carla@unitedfriends.org
