Connection to the Community

In California, foster youth move an average of five times, which leads to repeated interruptions in school and in relationships with family and friends. These disruptions cause foster youth to feel isolated from their peers and to have difficulty building supportive relationships. An explicit goal of First Place is to help youth develop supportive relationships with peers and caring adults. This is accomplished through a variety of strategies designed to build connectivity and a sense of community.  Such strategies include youth-led events, annual holiday parties, civic engagement and volunteer service projects at various community locations like Bay Area food banks.