First Place for Youth

Big steps toward bright futures 💼✨

We recently took four of our Long Beach youth to the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Job Fair, and every single one walked away with a completed intake for paid opportunities on the horizon.

LBWIN is doing more than connecting young people to jobs, they’re opening doors to career training, resources, and long-term success for young people ages 14–30.

We’re proud to support our youth as they take these powerful first steps toward independence and meaningful careers. 🙌

Behind every independent young adult is often years of quiet support—help with rent, food, and navigating life’s challenges.

For youth leaving foster care, that support system is often missing. Our My First Place™ program steps in to fill that gap with housing, career support, and life skills.

Read how this investment is changing futures, and why it matters: https://firstplaceforyouth.org/investing-like-family/

Investing Like Family - First Place For Youth By Jayme Catalano, Director of Communications Our investment in the young adults in our My First Place™ program echoes what many families already do to […]

As AI transforms the future of work, we must ensure foster youth aren’t left behind.

In this insightful piece, GreenLight Fund CEO shares why intentional investment in housing, workforce readiness, and relationships is critical—especially as technology reshapes opportunity. We’re proud to see First Place for Youth’s My First Place program highlighted as a proven model that works!

Read the article 👇
https://youthtoday.org/2026/05/fostering-future-ensuring-foster-youth-arent-left-ai-economy/

On May 14, First Place for Youth hosted our Spring Forward fundraiser at Town Fare at the Oakland Museum of California, bringing together an incredible community of supporters dedicated to expanding opportunity for foster youth.

Guests enjoyed a memorable evening featuring an engaging auction and paddle raise. The true heart of the event was the powerful storytelling, from a moving video highlighting our mission to inspiring remarks from youth speakers Yuki, Sofia, and Jamil, who shared their journeys with honesty and courage. We were especially honored to present the inaugural Greg Smith Legacy Award to these remarkable young leaders.

Our CEO, Thomas Lee, shared an inspiring story of a former foster youth who now works at First Place for Youth, highlighting the full-circle impact of our mission and the power of opportunity.

Thanks to your support, we are continuing to strengthen our impact across the East Bay!

We’re excited to see ongoing conversations about how storytelling impacts youth development, like this episode featuring Dr. Yalda Uhls of UCLA’s Center for Scholars & Storytellers.

Together with their team, First Place for Youth recently partnered to share a new YouTube kids playlist that supports more accurate, humanizing portrayals of foster youth.

Because representation matters, and stories shape futures.

Watch the CSS + YouTube Kids Playlist👇
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL40c9F6JnVcjTzSNWHoqm42TLlE3beRZA

Listen to the Podcast!
https://ksqd.org/healing-through-cinema/ .tab=0

Healing Through Cinema Episode 90: Films don’t just entertain—they can shape how we understand ourselves and our lives. In this episode, media expert Yalda T. Uhls joins host and psychotherapist Debra Sloss to explore the psychological impact of cinema, especially during childhood and adolescence. Community members sh...

The auction is officially OPEN; don’t miss your chance to keep bidding!

Bids are already coming in, and one exciting package has even SOLD—so don’t wait!

From date-night dinners at top East Bay restaurants to signed Warriors and Valkyries jerseys, Bay Area theater outings, and more, there’s still plenty to explore and win.

✨ Our silent auction is open online, so you can keep bidding anytime, from anywhere. New items have been added, so check back and stay in the game!

Keep the momentum going, and make an impact while scoring something unforgettable 👇
https://paybee.io/@20

With the support of Solano County Child Welfare, our Solano County Independent Living Skills Program officially opened their gaming & studio space, a place where youth can showcase their talents and enjoy having a space all their own.

Whether it’s gaming, creating, or simply being together, this space is about opportunity, expression, and belonging. And it will continue to grow alongside the young people who make it their own.

We can’t wait to see what they create. 🎬🎮🎧