Youth Services

Accessing Our Services

Youth Programs

Our programs are designed to support your launch into independent adult life as you formulate goals and plans to achieve them. The right program for you depends on where you are and what you need.

At First Place, we set you up for success so you can focus on your dreams.

Entry requirements vary by county. THIS PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE TO: Current and former foster youth, probation youth, and homeless youth, ages 18–24. Completing an interest form does not guarantee program entry.

My First Place™ Program (MFP)

MFP provides a dedicated team to support educational goals, financial aid, job search and retention strategies, a safe place to live, and more. Available across multiple CA counties and several locations across the U.S.

Entry requirements vary by county. THIS PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE TO: Current and FORMER FOSTER YOUTH, Kin-GAP YOUTH, AND PROBATION YOUTH, AGES 16-22.

Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP)

ILSP programs support youth with education, employment, housing, health, and wellness. Check out our ILSP programs in San Francisco and Solano Counties and check with your social worker for ILSP services in other counties.

“It’s about more than having a place to live. It’s about feeling like you have someone on your side as you become an adult.”

MFP Program Participant

My First Place Program Overview

LOCATIONS

Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Los Angeles County, San Francisco County, Santa Clara County, and Solano County.

WHAT YOU GET

Housing:

Knowing you have a stable place to call home makes it easier to focus on your future. All participants live in shared apartments while in the program. Participants gain the skills and knowledge needed to find and maintain housing as responsible tenants.

A Dedicated Team:

Your first place team consists of a Youth Advocate (case manager), Education and Employment Specialist, and Housing Specialist who will support you as you learn practical skills, build relationships, and begin planning for your future.

Education & Career Support:

Through our Steps to Success program, you’ll receive ongoing guidance as you earn your high school diploma or GED, enroll in or continue college or vocational training, explore career pathways, and/or find a job that pays a living wage.

AREAS OF SUPPORT INCLUDE:

Education planning, course selection, and study skill building

Completing financial aid and scholarship applications

Accessing campus resources for academic and job support

Building job search and retention strategies

Developing interview and workplace readiness skills

Writing resumes and cover letters

Exploring potential career paths

“First Place has given me the opportunity to be independent, and make my own decisions and choices. That’s what makes it so special.”

MFP Program Participant

Independent Living Skills Program Overview

LOCATIONS

San Francisco and Solano Counties. For information on Independent Living Skills Programs in other counties, please check with your social worker.

WHAT YOU GET

Personalized Support in Preparing for Independence:

Our ILSP programs empower you with the knowledge and skills needed for your transition from foster care or probation to independence. Our team works with you to identify goals and connect you with services and resources to help you succeed.

Flexibility:

Access a variety of scheduled educational and community building and social events each month, including employment workshops, movie nights, and weekly drop-in hours. Speak with the team to help decide which events and how much involvement is right for you.

High School Completion Support:

First Foundation is a structured educational program offered to ILSP participants who commit to getting their high school diploma or GED. You’ll attend workshops focused on educational and social skills and test preparation.

Areas of Support Include:

Education and employment assistance

Individualized tutoring

Goal setting

Service coordination

Daily living skills

Housing

Health and wellness

Considering the My First Place Program?

We encourage young people considering My First Place to first speak with their social worker to ensure that this program is the right choice for their goals and needs.

What you should know about First Place for Youth:

We set high expectations for program participants because we believe that all foster youth have the potential to succeed when empowered with the proper support and resources.

My First Place requires commitment and active engagement from all participants. Youth are expected to meet regularly with their team, continue pursuing identified goals, and abide by the rules of our program and the terms of their lease.

Typically, My First Place participants live in shared, scattered-site apartments with no on-site supervision. Your First Place team will work with you to build conflict-resolution skills, establish boundaries and “house rules,” and understand how to be a good roommate and tenant.

What’s Happening At First Place for Youth

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