Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) at First Place for Youth

First Place for Youth believes our shared purpose, More is Possible, is a call to action for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging throughout our policy and practice network. We are committed to becoming a more inclusive multicultural organization that prioritizes the belonging and quality of life of all our program participants and staff members.

We are dedicated to achieving these goals by addressing historical and structural inequities in the areas of race, power, and privilege and the needs, strengths, and challenges of historically systematically oppressed groups and identities.

We strive to amplify our democratic movement where everyone is included and no one is absolved from responsibility in the work that lies ahead.

First Place acknowledges and honors that while we are committed to this journey, we have a ways to go to become more equitable in our operational systems and organizational structure.

To follow through with these goals, we must stay vigilant, hold ourselves accountable, and remember More is Possible when we are all committed in unity!

For ALL DEIB Information, Contact Dr. Angela Smith and Sonya Cravines

Dr. Angela Smith
Equity and Culture Manager

asmith@firstplaceforyouth.org

Sonya Cravines
VP of Talent & Equity

scravines@firstplaceforyouth.org


What’s Happening At First Place for Youth

Blog

From Lived Experience to Rhyme: The Resonance of Hip Hop in the Foster Care Narrative 

In the vibrant world of hip hop, where storytelling is an art form, the echoes of lived experiences often find […]

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Blog

Trauma-Informed Care in Action at First Place 

For foster youth who have experienced trauma and instability, the transition to adulthood is a pivotal journey that can be […]

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In the Media

Share the Spirit: After years in the foster system, a young woman gets a room of her own

With First Place for Youth in her corner, Jayla Lackaff is studying video game design at College of Alameda

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Research & Publications

2023 Annual Report

In 2023, First Place for Youth and our network partners in Massachusetts, New York, Mississippi, and Cincinnati served 1,660 young […]

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