The greater Pasadena community joined Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) for an uplifting celebration on Thursday, November 14 — the 25th […]
At just 18 years old, Jose faced a challenging crossroads. After his teenage sister took custody of him, he grappled […]
Ericka Ramirez Mendoza always dreamed about helping those in need. For her, being able to work as a full-time pharmacy […]
PASADENA, Calif. — After going through many hardships, Sky Celine is still persevering and trying to accomplish her dreams.
Six young people transitioning out of foster care now have a place to call their own, thanks to a groundbreaking housing project unveiled at a ribbon cutting ceremony in East Pasadena on Wednesday, Aug. 7.
The initiative is the result of an unprecedented partnership between educational, nonprofit and governmental leaders in the region to tackle student homelessness, a growing problem in Los Angeles County, project leaders said.
It has successfully transformed two properties at 2322 E. Foothill Blvd. into six studio apartments for young adults aged 18-21.
Pasadena City College will provide students who are transitioning out of foster care with studio housing units, LAist reported.
First Place for Youth CEO Thomas Lee told LAist that it can be difficult for foster youth to graduate due to insufficient housing, transportation and economic resources.
Among transitional youth, less than 10% of those who attended college completed a degree, a report found.
“As we call it in the world of child welfare, they always have the ‘cliff’ staring at them when all the services and supports kind of fall away, and they have to be able to do it on their own,” Lee told LAist.
Pasadena City College is opening its first housing unit near its campus for transitional-age foster youth.
The six studio units will be for PCC students who are aging out of foster care in an effort to support students toward graduation, said Thomas Lee, CEO of First Place for Youth, a youth services agency that’s partnering with the college.
On June 5, 2024, First Place for Youth CEO Thomas Lee sat down with four remarkable young adults—Sky Celine (she/her), […]
Our San Francisco Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP) hosted their annual graduation celebration on June 6th at the Hyatt Centric […]
During this graduation season, we are so excited to celebrate all the educational milestones of the youth we serve! At […]
From foster care to academic accolades, Dulce’s journey is nothing short of inspirational! Dulce made her way to First Place […]
On April 17th, First Place for Youth hosted our second annual Advocacy Day at the California State Capitol. This significant […]
Written by Samantha Kalahar and Kimberly Smith This year marks Mississippi’s ninth year as a Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative […]
March is ‘Stay Paid’ Month at First Place for Youth where we acknowledge all of our young people’s efforts in […]
With First Place for Youth in her corner, Jayla Lackaff is studying video game design at College of Alameda
SACRAMENTO — From foster care to pharmacy tech, a young man didn’t just overcome a challenging childhood – he wants to make sure others can do the same.
Macario Harris is only 24 years old, but he’s already found his calling.
Meet Jasmine, a My First Place™ participant and our incredible keynote youth speaker at our 25th Anniversary Celebration! In her […]
Meet Hollie, a resilient 21-year-old who found her footing with the help of her dedicated team at First Place for […]
As we count down to our 25th Anniversary Celebration in May, we are sharing key features and building blocks of […]
“First Place has helped me really grow as a person.“ Meet Adelaida, a First Place For Youth program participant […]
“First Place is a really, really, really good program, and I wish people would join this program because they help […]
My First Place™ participant and mother, Kaelyn, is working diligently to create a better life for her daughter. Because of […]
Anay, age 22, enrolled in the Rising Up program in November 2021 and looked forward to moving into her first […]
My First Place participant, Myron, age 21, has long dreamt of a career in filmmaking, screenwriting, production, and acting. Now, […]