An Update from UBH’s Spring 2025 Newsletter: Paving the Way for Brighter Futures
This spring, Upward Bound House (UBH) celebrates remarkable strides in its mission to end family homelessness across Santa Monica and Los Angeles. With the unwavering support of dedicated partners like Roque & Mark, UBH has already helped more than 280 families, including 524 children, move from crisis to stability in 2025 alone.
UBH provides far more than housing — they deliver comprehensive wraparound services that empower families to rebuild their lives. Parents are securing meaningful employment, receiving mental and physical health support, and developing financial literacy. Children are thriving in safe, nurturing environments, better equipped to succeed in school and life.
Roque & Mark’s partnership with UBH began seven years ago with the donation for use of a plot of land on Yale Street, just around the corner from our office. From that seed of generosity, UBH’s vibrant Urban Farm was born. Today, it produces more than 100 pounds of fresh produce every two months for UBH’s food pantry, while serving as a therapeutic space for families who visit. We are proud to see our initial contribution continue to nourish lives, both literally and figuratively.
We are committed to helping create long-term solutions to family homelessness. From our continued support of the Urban Farm to sponsoring community fundraisers like the annual Home Run For Kids, we believe in the power of community action and compassion.
Roque & Mark Chairman, A. “Mark Markevicius shares his personal connection: “I was born on a farm in Lithuania, and it shaped who I am. We are glad that Upward Bound House has given us the opportunity to help children and their parents. We need to take care of each other, however we can.”
We invite others to join us in supporting UBH’s incredible work, whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word. Together, we’re not just ending homelessness—we’re building brighter futures, one family at a time.