Young Adults (My First Place™)

We support young adults who are "aging out" of the foster care system as they launch into adulthood.

Young people often face uncertainty as they enter adulthood — and this is especially true for those doing it without the support of a permanent family. Yet in Massachusetts alone, 600-900 young people “age out” of the foster care system each year.

To help them reach their full potential at a pivotal time in their lives, our My First Place™ program provides young adults who are aging out of foster care with shared, rent-free apartments. With a stable place to call home and individualized supports from our team, youth focus on their education and employment goals, build community, and establish foundations for long-term self-sufficiency.

My First Place™ is a nationally-recognized program that was first developed more than two decades ago by First Place for Youth, a California-based nonprofit. HopeWell currently works with young people who are aging out of foster care in both the Greater Boston and Greater Springfield, Massachusetts areas.
 

HOW IT WORKS

Program Updates

New Apartments

Thanks to support from our philanthropic partners, HopeWell recently purchased two multi-unit apartment homes that will enable us to directly support young people aging out of foster care for decades to come!  

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How it Works

My First Place™ provides housing to ensure a safe, stable foundation as youth build pathways to self-sufficiency. Each young person in My First Place™ works closely with a team to meet the personal goals that are most important to them. Our team of staff — including Youth Advocates, Education and Employment Specialists, and Housing Specialists — work to ensure each youth has the tools they need to reach their full potential in school, work, and life.

Safe, stable housing located near public transportation, colleges, and work opportunities — and support in good tenancy skills.

Individualized case management to help remove barriers to reaching their goals and develop independence.

Education and employment support to pursue their educational plans and secure sustainable, living-wage employment.

Healthy living skills to balance physical, mental, and emotional health — including everything from financial literacy, to personal well-being, to parenting.

A circle chart showing 88 percent.

of youth participating
in My First Place™
held the same job for
90 days or more.

Home banner

 

“My First Place™ allows a fresh start, a fresh home,
and personal guidance toward

creating a life for yourself.”

- My First Place™ participant