Turning 18 can be a tumultuous time in the life of any young person, but it is an especially critical time in the life of a youth in foster care. During this time, a foster youth is not only dealing with the loss of a foster family, but is also facing the often confusing transition from adolescent to adult. It’s hard for kids in the best of circumstances to make it through unscathed, but it’s exponentially harder for a youth exiting the foster care system.
Here at Blavin Scholars, we know all too well how tough this time can be. That’s why we offer so many support and mentoring services to the youths entering our program. Without this foundation, these kids are hard-pressed to make it through the college experience. We are always on the lookout for other organizations that also strive to help foster youth make their way into adulthood. Here are one such organization doing great work with foster youth in California. First Place for Youth provides those aging out with tools to help them succeed and realize their full potential in all areas of life. We want to spread the word about the work this organization is doing so more foster kids can take advantage of their services.
First Place for Youth is a California-based organization currently serving six counties. They have a nationally-recognized model to help foster kids overcome the considerable odds stacked against them. First Place helps foster youth:
- Find safe housing
- Improve self esteem and confidence
- Obtain medical and mental health services
- Develop independent living skills
- Complete high school
- Prepare for college
- Build relationships
- Pursue their dreams
First Place has an excellent success record as well as amazing stories from the youths they’ve helped. We love organizations like this that are helping foster kids beat the odds and go on to live happy lives. We encourage you to learn more about them and find out how you can help.