Philanthropedia - First Place for Youth nonprofit profile

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Learn more about the Bay Area Homelessness Top Performing Nonprofits:

Bay Area Homelessness: First Place for Youth

Mission: It is the mission of First Place for Youth to support youth in their transition from foster care to successful adulthood by promoting choices and strengthening individual and community resources.

BASIC INFORMATION	EXPERT ASSESSMENT	BENEFICIARY REVIEW

Basic Information
Social Cause: Bay Area Homelessness
Issue Area: Bay Area Homelessness

Year Founded: 1998
Problem

Foster youth lack permanent housing, which prevents them from securing and sustaining living wage employment. They also lack educational attainment, health services, and a connection to the community. In California, foster youth move an average of five times, which leads to repeated interruptions in school and in relationships with family and friends.
Solution

Through a housing program, an academic enrichment program, counseling, youth community center, collaboration with other Bay Area agencies, and community education, First Place for Youth helps youth gain the skills to live independently and succeed on their own.
Impact

Stability: 98% of all participants avoided homelessness.

Economic Security: 79% of eligible youth obtained employment; avg wage was $9.73/hr.

Education: 73% exited with their high school diploma/equivalent (compared to 55% nationally.)

Health: 100% of participants secured health care while in the program.

Community: 90% of participants report that they feel their Youth Advocate is there to support them.
Financial Breakdown

Expenses Breakdown

Program Expenses :
Administrative Expenses:
Fundraising Expenses:
Contact Information

Website: http://firstplaceforyouth.org/
Email: info@firstplaceforyouth.org
Phone: 510-272-0979

The contents of this page are primarily from this nonprofit organization's website. The views expressed on this page are those of this organization and not necessarily those of Philanthopedia.

SummaryLearn more about these experts>>

Summary: Bay Area Homelessness experts believe that the First Place for Youth is an outstanding youth service provider with an innovative model. They have a proven track record of being able to help former foster youth secure permanent housing. At the same time, the First Place for Youth should continue collaborating with partners and raise more money to support expansion of their services.

Strengths

Outstanding Youth Service Provider

"They have a laser-like focus on foster youth; strong leadership; a wonderful integrated model."
"They serve as a model for other homeless youth providers."
"They really know how to get youth housed, employed, and off the streets."
"They provide a wide range of resources for youth."

Serious Impact

"98% of all former foster youth who receive housing, case management, employment and educational support services at First Place avoid homelessness."
"They have great outcomes with the number of kids who retain permanent housing at end of the program."
"They have had a huge prevention impact by focusing on foster youth."

Innovative Model

"They have innovative concepts."
"They are innovative at blending services with housing for youth; they have a strong peer-to-peer method."
"They have a very innovative service delivery. They do coalition work with other CBOs, and are astute about policy change and advocacy."

Strong Management

"They have effective management and community support."
"They have strong leadership, a great program model, strong outcomes, and are a leader in working with former foster youth."

Areas for Improvement

Continue Collaboration

"It should continue to partner with developers even though it is difficult."
"They should keep connecting with other housing/employment providers."

More Resources

"Someone needs to give them more money."
"They should grow their private fundraising."
"Their board could use some people with connections to high-net worth individuals."

Expansion

"It should expand its services beyond Oakland."
"It should do more marketing in Contra Costa County where the outcomes have been the best."
"They should build more public awareness of the needs of youth."
"It should take more risks."

The views expressed on this page are those of each individual expert and not necessarily those of Philanthopedia. Note that each quote represents the views of just one person and may not reflect the sentiments of the entire group. We do not disclose the names of the experts who gave each comment to protect their anonymity

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