On May 21^st, First Place for Youth leadership and staff traveled to Jackson, Mississippi, to meet with key state legislators and agency leaders at the Capitol. As we grow our presence in Mississippi, this visit was an important opportunity to introduce First Place to elected officials, share our mission, and advocate for our funding priorities that will improve outcomes for foster youth transitioning to adulthood. 

Over the course of the day, our team met with several influential leaders, including the Chairs of three House Committees and senior staff from the Speaker’s office, the Lieutenant Governor’s office, and the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS). Across every conversation, we felt genuine curiosity, enthusiasm, and alignment around our shared goal: a better path forward for transition-age foster youth. 

During these meetings, we shared about the history of First Place and our nationally recognized My First Place (MFP) program model, which helps young people successfully navigate the transition to adulthood. We also highlighted our recent MFP program launch in Hattiesburg and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the importance of extended foster care, and policy improvements—such as more favorable reimbursement rate for extended foster care and removing barriers that prevent youth from re-entering care when they need a second chance. 

We’re grateful to everyone who welcomed us so openly and showed a clear commitment to transition age foster youth. It’s clear there’s shared momentum for meaningful change, and we’re eager to continue these conversations in Mississippi!  

Special thanks to the leaders we met with: 

• Rep. Otis Anthony, Chair of House Committee on Youth and Family Affairs 

• Rep. Donnie Scoggin, Chair of House Committee on Universities and Colleges 

• Rep. Sam Creekmore, Chair of House Committee on Public Health and Human Services 

• Taylor Spillman, Legislative Director, Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives 

• Brittney Davis, Legislative Director, Lieutenant Governor 

• Logan Witcher and Alex Gibert, Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services 

About First Place for Youth 

First Place for Youth is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood. By providing comprehensive programs and services, including housing, education, employment, and support, First Place empowers foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and achieve their full potential. In 2025, we launched our first My First Place site in Mississippi to meet the needs of local youth and bring our proven model to a new region. 

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