Are you ready to make an impact?
Come be a part of a diverse, mission-driven team working in five San Francisco Bay Area counties, Los Angeles, and Jackson, Mississippi to put success within reach for transition-age foster youth.
We’re building a more just and equitable world
First Place is moving the needle on what life after foster care looks like in California and nationwide! Our staff show up every day ready to make a difference in the lives of young people who’ve grown up in foster care. We believe in the limitless potential of all people, and we’re working to remove the individual and systemic barriers that stand between foster youth and their goals.
We’re changing the odds
First Place is the largest provider of housing and comprehensive services for transition-age foster youth in the state of California. We’re giving young people the tools, support, and opportunities they need to take control of their own lives and create the futures they want. We’ve built a 20+ year record of success, measured not just by the number of youth who walk through our doors, but by the outcomes they achieve.
We’re creating solutions that work
Our innovative approach blends cutting-edge data science; individualized, youth-driven supports; and strategic partnerships with providers, stakeholders, and policy makers to drive lasting change at all levels. Our programs empower young people to set their sights high and forge their own paths to long-term self-sufficiency. Through our advocacy we advance meaningful policies and reforms to ensure foster care systems are truly meeting the unique needs of transition-age foster youth.
We’re committed to embedding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in everything we do
First Place for Youth believes our shared purpose, More is Possible, is a call to action for diversity, equity, and inclusion 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.
Find your place with us –>
Culture is Key
At First Place, I know that I’m surrounded by a group of people with same mission. We intentionally hire people who are here because they want to help foster youth succeed. There’s an assumption of good will, an empowerment to do what it takes, and even when we’re working independently, an interconnectedness that keeps us all going, working our hardest to meet the needs of our young people.
The Work We Do
Strategic Pillars
Teams and Roles
Hover or tap below on a tile below to learn more about how each role/team contributes to the success of our work.
Youth Advocates
Providing comprehensive support to young people as they build the skills for healthy, independent lives as adults.
Education & Employment Specialists
Guiding young people in pursuit of education and career pathways that lead to long-term living-wage employment
Housing
Working with property owners and First Place support teams to ensure participants have safe housing that meets their needs.
Evaluation & Learning
Measuring the impacts and outcomes of First Place programs to ensure the effectiveness of programs and support ongoing improvements.
Public Policy
Advancing First Place’s mission and vision through legislative advocacy and strategic collaboration with provider and stakeholder partners.
Affiliates & Partnerships
Expanding the national reach of First Place programs and supporting our network of provider partners in delivering high-quality services.
Development
Building awareness and strengthening relationships with supporters to ensure sustainable funding for our work.
Finance
Ensuring the smooth financial operations of the organization across all programs and offices.
Contracts & Compliance
Shepherding and monitoring First Place’s partnerships and government contracts
HR & Operations
Enabling organizational success through recruitment, retention, and administrative management.
Leadership
Shaping and advancing the long-term vision of First Place’s programs and advocacy