Steps to Success Education and Employment Program

Founded in 1998, First Place for Youth (First Place) works to prevent poverty and homelessness among youth growing up in foster care. Operating in 6 California counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Solano), the organization helps foster youth build the skills they need to make a successful transition to self-sufficiency and responsible adulthood. Through its nationally-recognized program model, First Place provides access to safe housing, support to finish high school and enroll in college, and training to improve job skills and career readiness. In 2016, it served over 1,400 youth across all programs and provided permanent housing and supportive services to 476 youth in all 6 counties.