Press Release

Ribbon-cutting Ceremony of the Futures First: Youth Transitional Homes

The April Parker Foundation opens Futures First, providing housing and support for unhoused youth aged 18-30. Join us on October 23, 2024, for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

A pivotal initiative aimed at providing essential services to unhoused youth

LONG BEACH, Calif., September 24, 2024 – The April Parker Foundation will celebrate the grand opening of the Futures First: Youth Transitional Homes on October 23, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Central Long Beach. This is the first youth transitional housing in Long Beach dedicated to providing services, resources, and housing to impacted youths of all genders aged 18 to 30 in the city of Long Beach. As unhoused youth continue to rise in communities nationwide, the Futures First housing stands as a beacon of hope—providing not just immediate relief, but the long-term support and empowerment necessary to break the cycle of unhousing for future generations.

The April Parker Foundation’s Futures First: Youth Transitional Homes will address the needs of one of Long Beach’s most at-risk groups—unhoused youth. In collaboration with Mayor Rex Richardson and the Long Beach Health Department, we are committed to housing our young adults. The housing will hold up to 24 individuals annually, offering a comprehensive range of support designed to foster self-sufficiency and break the cycle of housing instability and unemployment. By participating in the mayor’s ‘Functional Zero’ initiative, we are dedicated to eradicating unhoused youth in Long Beach and ensuring that every young person can thrive.

“Every young person deserves the chance to succeed,” said April Parker, Founder and Executive Director. “Futures First is more than a shelter—it’s a support system offering a ‘Hand UP, not a handout,’ providing the housing, resources, and guidance needed for long-term stability.”

In addition to offering transitional housing for youth, the April Parker Foundation will serve as the operator of the City of Long Beach’s Futures First: Youth Shelter and Navigation Center, scheduled to open in early 2025. Futures First Transitional Homes offer a range of services designed to support youth on their journey to stability and independence. These include:

  • Emergency safe and secure housing
  • Personalized case management
  • Life skills workshops (e.g., budgeting, cooking, job readiness, resume building)
  • Mental health support and substance abuse counseling
  • Job placement assistance
  • Educational resources (e.g., GED programs, vocational training)
  • Health services and nutritional support

The grand opening will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guest speakers, and an open house. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the facility, meet the dedicated team behind the project, and learn about the services offered to support Long Beach’s youth. Remarks will be made by April Parker, Mayor Rex Richardson, Maleka Long, and two impacted youth who will be housed in this new facility.

About the April Parker Foundation:
The April Parker Foundation is a community-based non-profit organization that serves the historically underserved BIPOC communities in Orange and Los Angeles Counties through a range of culturally relevant, highly supportive offerings. We strive to empower disadvantaged individuals, families, veterans, and small businesses with the goal of uplifting our community as a whole.

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