First Place participant Noel Anaya recently put “aging out” in the national spotlight when he was featured on NPR’s flagship news program All Things Considered. In a piece he produced with the assistance of Oakland’s Youth Radio, Noel reflected on his final day in foster care and the complex emotions that come from spending 20 years in the foster care system.

Hear Noel’s story @ NPR.com

We are incredibly proud of Noel for sharing his experience with such honesty and openness. His story is an important reminder of why First Place’s programs are needed and why our advocacy for improvements in the foster care system matters.

We know we cannot erase the years of uncertainty and instability that so many foster youth have endured, but with your help, we can change the future for thousands of young people.

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