FIRST PLACE FOR YOUTH IS A CALIFORNIA NONPROFIT PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION, WHICH WAS INCORPORATED ON JULY 20, 1999, TO PREVENT POVERTY AND HOMELESSNESS AMONG YOUTH WHO "AGE OUT" OF THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM BY PROVIDING THEM WITH THE RESOURCES AND SUPPORT REQUIRED TO MAKE A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION TO INDEPENDENT LIVING. THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES SERVICES TO YOUTH AGES 16 TO 25, INCLUDING YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE CURRENTLY IN FOSTER CARE, AS WELL AS THOSE PREPARING TO, OR WHO RECENTLY HAVE AGED OUT OF THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM. THE ORGANIZATION WORKS TO ENSURE YOUTH HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE A SAFE AND SUPPORTED TRANSITION THROUGH A HOUSING PROGRAM, INTENSIVE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, AN ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAM, COUNSELING, YOUTH COMMUNITY CENTER, COLLABORATION WITH OTHER BAY AREA AGENCIES, AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION, ENABLING YOUTH TO GAIN THE SKILLS TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY AND SUCCEED ON THEIR OWN.