First Place for Youth

10/16/2026

Being in the room isn't the only way to make a difference.

If your schedule doesn't allow you to join us in Los Angeles on Thursday, October 22, 2026, your support still matters just as much. Every contribution helps us continue empowering transition-age foster youth across Los Angeles County and beyond.

A few ways to make an impact, even from afar:
- Make a gift in honor of the evening
- Become a sponsor, recognized as part of this year's celebration
- Share this event with someone in your network

This year, we're also honoring Debbie Allen with our inaugural First Place Community Impact Award, recognizing her leadership and lasting impact on our communities.

Thank you for standing with us, in the room or from afar. Every bit of support changes a young person's story.

Learn more: https://firstplaceforyouth.org/key-of-possibility/

10/15/2026

🏠 Every young person deserves a safe place to call home.

Proposition 1, the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, includes $150 million dedicated to creating housing for current and former foster youth and young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

"As young people, we are often told that housing is an issue for our future, but for foster youth and young people experiencing homelessness, it is an issue of the present. Proposition 1 recognizes that stable housing is foundational to education, opportunity, and the ability to build a future. Investing specifically in youth who are navigating housing instability means creating pathways to stability in a moment when support can make a lasting difference."
— Juliet, 17, Los Angeles

When young people have a safe place to live, they have a stronger foundation to thrive.

📢 Share this post and help spread the word about how Proposition 1 supports youth housing.

10/14/2026

Our team recently took a group of youth to LACMA's seasonal Night Out event, where they explored the Geffen Gallery, walked among the museum's iconic Urban Light installation, and engaged with art in ways that sparked genuine curiosity and conversation.

Helping youth discover free and low-cost community resources is one small but meaningful part of building their independence and quality of life.

10/10/2026

A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors for supporting In the Key of Possibility this October 22nd! Your support is helping us create an unforgettable evening in celebration of foster youth and the futures they're building.

There's still time to join us, as a guest or a sponsor. Every contribution helps us continue empowering transition-age foster youth across Los Angeles County and beyond!

Get your tickets or learn about sponsorship opportunities today: https://paybee.io/quickpay.html?handle=firstplace&ppid=26

10/08/2026

At 20, Shantel is writing a new story, for herself and for foster youth across Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

After moving through several foster homes, Shantel pushed forward, graduating high school despite the disruptions of the pandemic. Today, she's part of the inaugural My First Place™ cohort in Mississippi, enrolled in a medical assistant program, and living in her own apartment for the first time.

"When I came to First Place, I got everything I needed," she says. "My life just started. Now I'm enjoying everything."

With stability, support, and a clear plan for her future, Shantel is proving that with the right support, young people don't just survive, they thrive.

10/07/2026

Our LA Career Coaches partnered with ABC Construction in the San Fernando Valley to give youth a hands-on look at careers in the skilled trades!

Participants toured active worksites and explored opportunities in electrical, plumbing, and low-voltage systems, learning about training, certifications, and career growth. As a token of appreciation, youth received Milwaukee tape measures to support their continued interest in the trades.

Thank you to ABC Construction for investing in the next generation of skilled workers!

10/03/2026

Being prepared for the unexpected is a life skill everyone deserves to have.

Our South Bay Team hosted an Emergency Preparedness Life Skills Workshop, teaching youth practical tools they can use to stay safe and ready in an emergency, from building an emergency kit to knowing what steps to take when the unexpected happens.

Approximately 11 youth attended, staying highly engaged throughout the discussions and hands-on activities (with some snacks to keep the energy going).

Workshops like these are part of how we help young people build the confidence and independence they need for whatever life brings their way.

10/01/2026

At 19, Jacqueline is writing her own story, one marked by ambition and a deep commitment to building a stable, hopeful future.

Jacqueline is in college, working toward her prerequisites with her sights set on a nursing program. Her passion is specific: she wants to become a midwife. "Being able to help others bring babies into the world, that's really beautiful," she shares.

Jacqueline's path into foster care began at 16, after years of instability at home. Moving into her own place with First Place was a major transition, but with the support of her Youth Advocate, she found the guidance she needed to navigate independence.

"Resilience means staying strong, even when things seem tough," she says. "Sometimes it's just about being there, even when you're not sure you can keep pushing."

09/29/2026

Solano ILSP is proud to celebrate four seniors from our First Foundation Program who were accepted to and began their fall semester at Sacramento State University!

This milestone reflects months of preparation, dedication, and support, including staff spending several days helping students move into their dorms, carrying belongings up multiple flights of stairs, and making sure each one had a comfortable, welcoming space to call home.

Many of our youth don't always recognize the tremendous potential they possess. Through consistent encouragement and support, our staff help them see what's possible for their futures.

Congratulations to these four students as they begin this exciting new chapter. We can't wait to see all they accomplish!

09/26/2026

What happens when a young person turns 18 and the system responsible for them expects them to figure out adulthood on their own?

First Place for Youth's Eddie Sumlin and Kynya Cade joined Comfort Cases: UnPacked to talk about what "aging out" of foster care really looks like, why higher education can remain out of reach for so many foster youth, and the difference between expecting an 18-year-old to be independent and giving them the tools to succeed.

The takeaway: young people leaving foster care don't need lower expectations. They need the same support, opportunities, and people in their corner that every young person deserves.

Listen to the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN6M9Ul9AMI

What happens when a young person turns 18 and the system responsibl...