WHITTIER, Calif. — Since 1979, United Friends of the Children has been working to improve the lives of our Los Angeles youth in foster care.

But next week, the organization will focus on the health and well-being of everyone at its free Community Wellness Fair in Whittier.

Senior director Iberia Calix told ABC7 their third event is their biggest ever, with the intention of feeding minds, bodies and souls.

Visitors can take advantage of free blood pressure and diabetes screenings, flu vaccines, and vision and hearing checks at the St. John’s Community Health mobile clinic.

There will also be free ticket repair, tax preparation help, resources from Planned Parenthood, a community yoga class, and free In-N-Out burgers from 12-1 p.m.

“It really comes from a place of wanting to increase access and reduce barriers, and have a centralized location where folks can come and have their needs met,” Calix said. “And, you know, get some free lunch.”

Carla Palmer, United Friends’ director of development, said the event illustrates the culture of care and concern at the organization.

Foster youth between 6th grade and college graduation age are able to take advantage of two life-changing programs at United Friends of the Children.

Its education program pairs youth with counselors to help them make it across the high school graduation stage and into a program that prepares them for success, Palmer said, whether that’s a college degree, certificate program or trade school.

The organization also operates a housing program with 107 beds across Los Angeles County, aimed at bringing foster and justice-impacted youth into self-sufficiency.

“The meat and potatoes of our program is around education, employment, and really building those life skills so that they can maintain an apartment or a place of their own when they exit our program.” Iberia said

To learn about United Friends of the Children or make a donation, visit UnitedFriends.org.

Whittier Community Center is located at 7630 Washington Ave., in Whittier.

2026 Community Wellness Fair Schedule

Open 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.Yoga with Good Luck Yogi, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Free In-N-Out Burger lunch, 12-1:30 p.m.

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