First Place® AZ is a nonprofit organization established in 2012 with the goal of setting new standards for supportive community development with residential options & resources for adults with autism and other neuro-diversities. Led by market principles, First Place is creating replicable residential and post-secondary education models that promote collaboration among the public, private, nonprofit and philanthropic sectors to serve as catalysts for advancing public policy focused on housing solutions for special populations. Such advances support local economic development and create opportunities for long-term employment and independent/interdependent living for members of this population. This unique, 81,000-square-foot development offers three primary components:
1) The First Place Apartments will provide access to various services and amenities--with all the benefits of community-connected, independent living--for adults with autism and other neuro-diversities who are transitioning out of the family home for the first time with the goal of establishing their own.
2) The First Place Transition Academy will offer participating adults 18 and older a residential, two-year, tuition-based program of 32 semester-length courses in life and interpersonal skills, as well as career readiness, to help them find employment and live more independently.
3) The First Place Global Leadership Institute, with a faculty of experts in the field of autism, advances research, provides support through evidence-based best practices and serves as a hub for learning and facilitating replication. The goal is to increase capacity in adult services and housing options nationally and globally for this population.
