At just 18 years old, Jose faced a challenging crossroads. After his teenage sister took custody of him, he grappled with big questions about his future: Should he go to college? Pursue trade school? Jump into the workforce? Like many young people aging out of foster care, the journey ahead was daunting. But for Jose, everything began to change when he joined First Place for Youth’s My First Place™ program.

When Jose arrived at First Place, he was unsure of what lay ahead. Thanks to the stability of the program’s housing and the support from his dedicated advocacy team, Jose found the encouragement he needed to start seeing possibilities he had once dismissed as out of reach. Over time, he discovered his passion for helping others and a desire to support those who may have faced similar challenges.

Through hard work and focus, Jose completed his Associate’s degree at Pasadena City College, an achievement that allowed him to broaden his horizons—literally. He participated in study abroad programs in Florence, Italy, and Spain, experiences that deepened his understanding of the world and his role in it. Now, with a goal of supporting individuals involved in the justice system, Jose’s aspirations have come into clear focus. His passion is not only personal but also driven by a desire to help others avoid the pitfalls that some youth face after aging out of foster care. Reflecting on his own journey and that of his brother, he shared, “There are so many foster kids who end up in prison or involved in the justice system, and with the right support, things could be different for them.”

Throughout his time in the program, Jose often points to his First Place advocacy team as a source of strength and consistency. “There were times when I wanted to deviate from the plan, and they helped me determine what was best for me. They helped me to stay on track,” he says. With the security of housing and guidance tailored to his needs, he felt more grounded and able to see his future more clearly. “In the beginning, I didn’t really believe in myself. Going to college seemed like a faraway goal, like becoming a millionaire. But First Place showed me that I could do anything.”

Today, Jose is nearing another major milestone: He is on track to graduate from CSU Long Beach in the spring of 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts. Although he has worked several part-time jobs, his primary focus has been on school, building a foundation for a future in helping others and creating lasting impact.

Jose’s journey is a powerful reminder of the potential within every young person when they receive the support they need. As he looks toward the future, Jose is a shining example of the strength, resilience, and dedication that make such a difference. At First Place for Youth, we are deeply proud to be part of Jose’s journey, and we can’t wait to see all the ways he will continue to inspire and uplift others.

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