On Thursday, May 16th, LACDMH joined Friends of the Children – Los Angeles (FOTC – LA) to celebrate the launch of a new location in Long Beach, expanding the mentorship program’s reach in the Long Beach and South County community. FOTC is a national nonprofit organization that selects and invites youth with unique talents, interests, and dreams who face multiple systemic obstacles to be paired with a paid, professional mentor called a Friend. FOTC hires and trains Friends to support youth from as early as age four through high school, for 12+ years, no matter what.
FOTC-LA is a unique program that provides mentoring to youth facing significant challenges, particularly those at risk of entering the foster care system. The program incorporates a 2Gen approach, which includes supporting both the youth and their parents/caregivers. FOTC-LA is devoted to “impacting generational change by empowering youth who are facing the greatest obstacles through relationships with professional mentors.”
In partnership with LACDMH and the L.A. County Board of Supervisors (led by Second District County Supervisor Mitchell), FOTC-LA is expanding its services throughout L.A. County. Over the next three years, the program will extend to each service area to ensure that youth and families receive the necessary supportive services.
