The First Place Fund for Youth

To enable youth to make successful transitions to self sufficiency.

Overview

Seventeen to twenty one year olds who have aged out of foster care stop receiving county funded foster services once discharged from care. Moreover there are limited community based services available. Instead of receiving support and guidance during this critical transition emancipated foster youth are without housing a source of income adult encouragement or community support. First Place promotes long term self sufficiency among emancipated foster youth by providing them with the skills resources and support to make a successful transition to adulthood. First Place pursues its goal through three programs the Supported Housing Program (SHP) Emancipation Training Center (ETC) and the Alameda County Foster Youth Alliance (FYA). To qualify for the Supported Housing Program First Place participants must successfully complete an eight week economic literacy curriculum. They must also qualify for a housing microloan. The Supported Housing Program provides emancipated foster youths with access to safe affordable housing and a comprehensive network of supportive services.