Each year, over 200 volunteers participate in providing life-changing services to homeless youth in Los Angeles at My Friend's Place. Volunteer opportunities are available Monday through Friday for groups and individuals.  We would love to have you join our family!

Please click here to meet our most recent Volunteer of the Month!

Volunteer Opportunities for Groups:

Groups require a team leader who will meet with our volunteer coordinator prior to the event. All group members will be oriented the day of the event. Limits on the size of a group will be determined by the volunteer activity.

Serve a Meal: Serve a special meal to the youth. Group members donate to cover the cost, we order the food and you serve! Options start at $350--please contact Camilla Brannstrom at (323) 908-0011x107 for more details.

Beautify our Safe Haven: Help out by organizing clothing, cleaning or painting.

Gardening: We have flower beds and planters that need a green thumb. Groups bring flowers, plants, and planting soil as a donation.

For more information about group volunteering opportunities in Los Angeles, please contact Camilla Brannstrom.



Volunteer Opportunities for Individuals:

MFP Lunch Special (held monthly): If you are unable to make an ongoing commitment but still want to help out, this is your chance to make a difference. Volunteers will receive a tour of MFP, meet staff, and serve a special meal to homeless youth. 

Volunteer Members: We need individual volunteers who can make an on-going commitment in the following areas of need:

Administrative/Fundraising: Help us build awareness about homeless youth through data entry, bulk mailings, special events, and online networking initiatives.

Resource Center: Help build trust with our youth by serving lunches, playing board games, conducting art projects or assisting in workshop facilitation.

Educational Workshops: Share a special talent or skill with our youth. Assist or direct workshops ranging from employment and education to the arts.


Volunteer Opportunities for the Community:

Drives that collect items for homeless youth are a great way to build community spirit in your office or on your school campus. All you need is a barrel or box and a little publicity. We will supply MFP literature for you to hand out and arrange for your group to tour the center. Collected items must be delivered to MFP. All donations are tax deductibele.

Shoe Drive: Improper footwear is often the cause of serious health problems and a barrier to employment. Our greatest need is sturdy, men's shoes sizes 10 and higher.

Clothing & Hygiene Supply Drive: Every day our youth need clean, casual clothing to help build their self-esteem and their ability to achieve their goals. Our greatest need are sizes XL and up and men's casual clothing.

Canned Food Drive: Last year over 80 homeless youth moved off the streets. As they struggle to make ends meet, we help them by providing canned items and other non-perishable food such as tuna fish, soup, peanut butter and bottled water.

Gift Drive: For a variety of holidays, we give every homeless youth a new gift. An extensive wish list can be provided and includes: gift certificates for food, clothing or movies, backpacks & blankets, and CDs.

Educational and Recreational Supply Drive: We offer a variety of educational and recreational activities. We are in need of school supplies, art supplies, DVDs (rated PG-13 or lower), and board games.


How do I Volunteer at MFP?

We are thrilled to have you join our team to make a difference in the lives of over 1,800 homeless youth in Los Angeles each year!

To get started…

Robin discovered My Friend’s Place through a friend when she was looking for a non-profit to donate a percentage of her earnings at Lemon Lime Agency. MFP stood out to Robin and her business partner Chaim Magnum because the age range of the youth we serve is similar to the talent their agency represents, and both Lemon Lime Agency and My Friend’s Place operate within the same community. Robin’s involvement here at MFP has not only given her an opportunity to give back but also created the structure for the talent her agency represents to do the same.

 

Robin is able to generate a lot of interest in My Friend’s Place at Lemon Lime by creating a positive family environment at her agency. She represents wonderful people that are willing to help out and give back any way they can. Her involvement at MFP and creates positive energy at Lemon Lime and makes it easy for people to serve their community. Through Robin’s service to MFP she has been able to see the results of her time and energy. She is confident that her efforts are effecting positive change in the lives of the youth MFP serves. Robin views the role that MFP plays in the lives of the youth we serve as giving hope and support. She sees how MFP is able to create a glimmer of future in their lives.

 

The most memorable moment that Robin has had at our agency was during our Open House last year. She was able to look around and see the talent that her agency represents enthusiastically participating in the event. The 20 plus volunteers that she coordinated for this event served our agency by doing everything from welcoming our guests to managing our donation table. Robin and everyone at Lemon Lime that volunteered contributed to the success of the event and helped bring exposure to our agency and the youth we serve.

 

Robin would like to thank Brian Zarin for organizing the auction donations, and her business partner at Lemon Lime Agency, Chaim Magnum. She would also like to thank the auction team that helped raise the donations and all of the places that gave their gifts.