First Place for Youth

20h

Did you know foster youth who complete our My First Place program are 1.7 times more likely to be employed than non-participants, and earn 65% more upon exit? America's businesses are facing a labor crisis. Construction alone needs nearly half a million new workers in 2026. At the same time, thousands of young adults age out of foster care every year, ready to work but often overlooked by traditional hiring processes. The solution is partnership. Read our latest blog on how employers like CVS Health and YMCA are building talent pipelines with foster youth, and getting real results.

First Place for Youth

1w

Over the past year, First Place for Youth participated in a national learning community exploring how young people successfully transition from pre-apprenticeship programs into registered apprenticeships and long-term careers. The work is highlighted in the new report, Understanding Youth Movement from Pre-Apprenticeship to Registered Apprenticeship. In our first year, 19 young people completed First Place’s Business Technology Administration Pre-Apprenticeship, with four already advancing into Registered Apprenticeships. These early results demonstrate the potential of apprenticeship pathways to create meaningful opportunities for young people. The report reinforces what we see every day: supportive services, paid opportunities, and youth-centered program design are critical to helping young people succeed in education and careers. We are grateful to JFF, the Youth Council, and our fellow providers and employer partners for their collaboration and leadership in this work. Read the full report to learn more about the findings, recommendations, and the future of youth apprenticeship pathways.

First Place for Youth

2w

A significant step forward for young people transitioning from foster care. Earlier this month, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 1806 into law, extending foster care services to eligible young adults through age 21, effective July 1, 2026. First Place had the opportunity to review the proposed legislation and provide technical recommendations based on our experience supporting young people as they transition to adulthood. Among our recommendations were age-appropriate placements, maximizing available federal Title IV-E funding, automatic enrollment for eligible youth, and opportunities for re-entry into extended care. Research consistently shows that extended foster care improves outcomes, including increased high school completion and college enrollment, while reducing risks of homelessness and food insecurity. We applaud Oklahoma lawmakers and partners who helped advance this legislation and look forward to seeing its positive impact on young people across the state. This is another reminder that supporting young people doesn't end at age 18. #FirstPlaceforYouth #FosterCare #ExtendedFosterCare #YouthAdvocacy #ChildWelfare

First Place for Youth

2mo

The YouTube Kids + CSS Foster Care Playlist is now live, with over 800,000 views. It challenges harmful stereotypes by highlighting the lived experiences of young people in foster care. Each year, nearly 25,000 youth transition out of the system, yet their stories are often misunderstood. This playlist centers authentic, strengths-based storytelling, showcasing resilience, growth, and ambition. Explore it on the Center for Scholars & Storytellers YouTube channel.

First Place for Youth

2mo

We’re excited to share that First Place for Youth has successfully earned reaccreditation from the Council on Accreditation (COA), receiving zero out-of-compliance ratings. This achievement reflects the strength and integrity of our work supporting young people transitioning out of foster care, and our commitment to delivering high-quality, consistent services across all programs. It also highlights the trust placed in us by our partners, from public agencies to community organizations, as we work together to expand access to stable housing, education, and career pathways for youth. Most importantly, this milestone is a testament to the dedication of our team and the collective effort of everyone who makes our mission possible!

First Place for Youth

5mo

Human trafficking prevention requires more than responding after harm has already occurred, it requires investing in young people long before they’re vulnerable. In his latest blog, our CEO Thomas Lee shares powerful insight into why older foster youth face elevated risks of exploitation, especially when they leave care without stable housing, caring adult support, or a clear path forward. The message is clear: ✔️ Stable housing ✔️ Consistent, trusted adults ✔️ Education and employment support ✔️ Mental health services These are the strongest tools we have to prevent trafficking before it begins. At First Place for Youth, we’re committed to creating the stability and opportunity all young people deserve. Read the full blog to learn why prevention, not just rescue, is the path to real safety and long‑term change.

First Place for Youth

5mo

“I believe the future can be different.” Young people leaving foster care deserve stability, opportunity, and a community that helps them thrive, not just survive. Washington State supports thousands of transition‑age youth, yet too many still face homelessness, disrupted services, and limited pathways to education or careers. That’s why the Washington Playbook was created, a youth‑driven guide offering real, actionable solutions to build a more equitable system. Every young person should know they matter. Every young person should have the chance to thrive. ✨ Read the full Playbook: https://firstplaceforyouth.org/transforming-washingtons-support-to-transition-age-foster-youth-a-roadmap-for-success/ #FosterYouthVoices #FirstPlaceForYouth #WashingtonPlaybook #YouthPower #ChildWelfareReform

First Place for Youth

6mo

📈 New evaluation. Real impact. 60+ young people. Stable housing. Genuine opportunity. 88% progress toward self-defined goals. 73% employed. 95% retention. The New Jersey My First Place™ evaluation findings, authored by Matt Levy and Michael Evans, show what's possible when systems genuinely invest in young people's capacity. Read the full story— https://firstplaceforyouth.org/18-months-of-my-first-place-in-new-jersey/

First Place for Youth

6mo

"This is the only program for my age, because I'm 21." — My First Place™ Participant, NJ At First Place for Youth, we don't just talk about making a difference—we see it every day. Our recent expansion into New Jersey demonstrates the power of a team dedicated to meeting young people where they are. In just 18 months, our teams at Catholic Charities and Volunteers of America have built a program that youth describe as offering "better housing," "increased autonomy," and "supportive staff relationships." Are you ready to do work that matters? Join a team that bridges the gap for foster youth and empowers the next generation. 💼 See our open roles: https://firstplaceforyouth.org/careers/ #NonprofitJobs #SocialWork #Hiring #CareerWithPurpose #FirstPlaceForYouth

First Place for Youth

6mo

The support Stevie receives from First Place for Youth means the difference between homelessness and hope. Today, Stevie is thriving in college and planning for a career in social work. This story was featured in the East Bay Times as part of Share the Spirit, an annual campaign that spotlights local nonprofits making a difference in our community. My First Place transforms futures for nearly 700 California and Mississippi youth every year, with life-changing outcomes. - 97% of participants secure stable housing - 82% enroll to earn their high school diploma and continue their education - 85% find employment while in our program These outcomes don’t just transform lives, they create lasting change by breaking cycles of poverty and homelessness and strengthening the fabric of our communities. First Place for Youth provides a critical lifeline for young people transitioning out of foster care. Every year, nearly 700 youth receive housing, educational support, and career guidance, giving them the tools to build independence and stability. Read the full article: https://www.sharethespiriteastbay.org/2025-first-place-for-youth/