We support young adults "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 who are “aging out” of the foster care system.
To help them reach their full potential at a pivotal time in their lives, our My First Place™ program provides young adults 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 aging out of foster care in the Greater Boston and Greater Springfield, Massachusetts areas.
For More Information About My First Place™
Contact HopeWell
Rebeccah Tibert
Program Director,
Greater Boston
(617) 318-5176
info@hopewellinc.org
Yeisie Mateo
Program Director,
Greater Springfield
(413) 650-2676
info@hopewellinc.org
Program Update
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!
How it Works
My First Place™ provides housing to ensure youth have a safe, stable foundation. Each youth works closely with our team — including Youth Advocates, Education and Employment Specialists, and Housing Specialists — to meet the personal goals most important to them, and to access 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 — as well as support with good tenancy skills.
- Individualized case management to help develop independence and remove barriers to reaching their goals.
- 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.
of youth in My First Place™ held the same job for 90+ days
of youth enrolled in a post-secondary program while in My First Place™
