At First Place for Youth, we are proud to partner with The Relatives in Mecklenburg County, NC, an organization that empowers young adults to overcome life’s challenges and build brighter futures. With vital funding from Mecklenburg County Housing Innovation & Stabilization Services Division and Youth and Family Services, and technical assistance from our My First Place program, this partnership is providing youth with the tools and resources to achieve lasting independence, rewrite their stories, and reach their full potential.

The Relatives’ approach is rooted in meeting young adults where they are, equipping them with tailored support to develop the skills and confidence to build independent lives. By addressing everything from employment readiness to mental health, they provide more than immediate solutions—they pave the way for meaningful, long-term change. As one team member shared, “Things don’t always happen on our timeframe. They happen on the young adults’ timeframe, and our job is to be there to support them when they’re ready to make those changes… That’s why we say we’re like family, because they can make those mistakes and come back, and we’ll still be there to support them.”

Jane’s journey is a powerful example of the impact this work can have. When she first entered the program in June 2024, Jane was carrying a heavy load of past trauma and instability. Finding a stable job was tough, housing was uncertain, and she was in the difficult process of regaining custody of her child. Despite these hurdles, she demonstrated remarkable resilience.

Through therapy, mentorship, and consistent guidance from her team, Jane made incredible progress. She found stable employment, becoming an assistant manager at a Hilton Hotel, saved $7,000, and recently received approval for unsupervised visits with her child—an important step on her path to full custody.

Jane’s success has sparked hope among other young adults in the program who come from similar backgrounds and look to one another for encouragement. Many, inspired by her progress, are now pushing toward their own goals, proving that one young person’s determination can ignite a wave of positive change. As her case manager Desmond shared, “Her story is proof that with time, space, and support, these young people can achieve incredible things.”

We are deeply grateful to Mecklenburg County for their visionary leadership in funding and supporting this initiative, including arranging for technical assistance from our My First Place program. Our heartfelt thanks also go to The Relatives for their unwavering dedication to walking alongside young adults on their path to independence. Together, we are showing that with the right resources, guidance, and encouragement, more is always possible for transition-age foster youth.

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