Invest in Brighter Futures for Foster Youth!

Our 2025 Annual Report is Now Available

Independent Evidence Our Program Works

an independent evaluation by leading researchers at Chapin Hall confirms that our My First Place™ program is making a measurable difference for transition-age foster youth—both while in the program, at exit, and up to three years after exit.

Join the Team at First Place for Youth

Learn more about rewarding career opportunities serving foster youth!

Spring Forward For First Place for Youth!

Join First Place for Youth for an evening of celebration!

Town Fare at the Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak St., Oakland, CA 94607

Thursday, May 14th, 2026 from 6-9pm

Fostering Possibilities

Learn about First Place for Youth’s work in Los Angeles. Made possible by Art + Practice.

First Place for Youth Strategic Plan Highlights, Fiscal Years 2025-2029

The mission of First Place is to help foster youth build the skills they need to make a successful transition to self-sufficiency and responsible adulthood

Looking for Services?
Visit our Youth Services Page or fill out an interest form.

We drive improvements to the foster system so young people can succeed

  • Youth-focused programs and services
  • Data-driven research and education
  • Policy change and advocacy work
  • Committed network of partner organizations

More successful outcomes for foster youth

Programs & Services

Measuring Our Impact

1496

youth were served and supported by First Place for Youth in 2024

90%

of young people we work with
identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color

98%

of participants in My First Place
are in school or working

97%

of My First Place participants attain stable housing when they exit the program

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

The My First PlaceTM Program

My First Place is a nationally recognized education and employment program that provides housing and case management for transition-age foster youth aged 18 to 25.

Participants are supported by a Youth Advocate, Education and Employment Specialist, and Housing Specialist. Access to post-secondary education coaching, apprenticeships and individualized supports help make sense of work and school. By helping foster youth enter adulthood with jobs that earn a living wage, this program fosters a sense of permanency and builds skills to be self-sufficient in the long term.

What’s Happening At First Place for Youth

Blog

18 Months of My First Place™ in New Jersey 

In July 2023, New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families, Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen, and Volunteers of America launched […]

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In the Media

Share the Spirit: For children exiting foster care, this local organization offers a critical lifeline

The support Stevie receives from First Place for Youth means the difference between homelessness and hope. Today, Stevie is thriving […]

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Blog

Evidence Our Program Works  

We couldn’t be more excited to share some incredible news, marking a huge milestone in First Place’s 28-year journey: an […]

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Research & Publications

2025 Annual Report

In 2025, First Place for Youth served 1,679 young people directly in California and Mississippi and through our network partners […]

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