"The organization began in 1997, when Amy Lemley and Deanne Pearn, two graduate students at Berkeley, realized that young people transitioning out of foster care had little in the way of public support. They were literally dropped off on a corner or at a homeless shelter with a garbage bag of belongings, and that was it, said Jayme Catalano, First Place for Youth's communications director."
"First Place began offering these young people financial literacy courses and a bit of money to help them pay rent. They later expanded to cover move-in costs and long-term subsidized housing. And by 2000, the organization had an eight-person staff and a full case-management system to help foster youth finish high school and prepare them for life as adults. Over the following 25 years, the organization raised millions of dollars and developed a statewide system supporting young people transitioning out of foster care."
When a foster child turns 18, assistance from California's foster care system changes dramatically and many young people exiting foster homes lose guidance and support. For those who meet eligibility requirements such as employment or education, some services remain but many still struggle without traditional foster care. Numerous aged-out foster youth face addiction, homelessness, and uncertainty. First Place for Youth launched in 1997 to provide financial literacy, rental assistance, move-in cost coverage, long-term subsidized housing, and case management to help youth finish high school and prepare for adult life. The organization raised millions and advocated for policies such as Assembly Bill 12 to expand extended foster care.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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