Each year, First Place houses about 30-35 young people. First Place has also created an Emancipation Training Center. Recognizing that some youth were not ready for the intensive services offered through the Supported Housing Program, First Place created this drop-in center to give visitors access to computers, phones, and housing referrals. The Center has not even officially opened, but youth are already beginning to utilize the services. Lemley and Pearn find it gratifying to know that they are making a difference in the lives of young people.
Nothing comes easy, however, and there are always challenges.
According to Lemley and Pearn, there are more than 200 young people who age-out of foster care each year in Alameda County. They do not have the capacity to help all of these young people, and that may mean the difference between youngsters having a place to live or being homeless. There are challenges with managing an organization as well. Lemley and Pearn seem to be meeting the challenges, however. The capacity of First Place has grown steadily each year since 1998.