Program areas at First Place Az
Apartments: First Place apartments comprise 63 studio, one-, two-and four bedroom units- "First homes" -with supportive services/programming for 67 residents with autism, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Staff are trained to help residents hone life skills through vocational, community life, mental health, and family and community outreach services.
Transition academy: clinically operated by our "sister" nonprofit southwest autism research & resource center (sarrc, also co-founded by First Place Az founder and president/ceo), the transition academy offers the two-year, 32-course residential life skills program, learn41ndependence, empowering participants to find employment and live more independently.
Global leadership institute: the gli is composed of five centers- maricopa county ida center for education, training and employment; make waves center for community development; colonel harland sanders center for applied research; mulzet center for expression; and the daniel jordan fiddle foundation center for public policy. The gli serves as a multidisciplinary hub for researchers, educators, support staff and medical professionals, as well as a robust site for research and development advancements in public policy. The gli is the catalyst for spearheading the development of models and programs informing capacity-building strategies and supportive policies for broader reach and lasting local, national and international impact.we identify inequities within our community to create neurological and cognitive curb cuts that empower and embrace inclusion of individuals with autism, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and offer peace of mind to families.