Network Partner: Mississippi Department
of Child Protection Services

ESTABLISHED 2018

CONTACT INFORMATION

601-359-4785
mdcps.ms.gov

Mississippi Site Director:
Samantha Kalahar

skalahar@

firstplaceforyouth.org

Opportunity Passport Coordinator:
Cotina Brown

cbrown@firstplaceforyouth.org

PROGRAMS

  • Opportunity Passport
  • Mississippi Youth Voice

PARTNERSHIPS

First Place for Youth has built an innovative partnership to support Mississippi’s efforts to improve support for transition-age foster youth.

About the Partnership

First Place for Youth partners with the state of Mississippi to offer two unique programs to improve supports for transition-age foster youth.

Opportunity Passport is a financial literacy and matched saving program sponsored by the Jim Casey Foundation that helps young adults become financially independent as they transition from foster care to adulthood. It offers:

  • Financial and money management education
  • Guidance on opening, maintaining, and growing a personal bank account.
  • Matched savings dollar for dollar (up to $3,000) to fund approved transportation, housing, and education-related expenses

Mississippi Youth Voice provides a forum for youth member leaders, ages 18-26+ to advocate for those who have lived in foster care in Mississippi. In serving on the Mississippi Youth Voice Board, these young adults develop leadership skills and make real change in the state. Members apply their lived experience to advocate and engage with community leaders, foster care stakeholders, and the broader public to create resources for foster youth and those transitioning out of care.

Building a Network of Like-Minded Partners Committed to Changing the Future of the Transition Age Foster Youth Across the Country

THE NETWORK PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

What’s Happening At First Place for Youth

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