First Place AZ
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Set in the heart of downtown, our first property, First Place-Phoenix, broke ground in December 2016 and is set for completion in spring 2018.
First Place® AZ is a nonprofit organization established in 2012 with the goal of setting new standards for supportive community development with residential options & resources for adults with autism and other neuro-diversities. Led by market principles, First Place is creating replicable residential and post-secondary education models that promote collaboration among the public, private, nonprofit and philanthropic sectors to serve as catalysts for advancing public policy focused on housing solutions for special populations. Such advances support local economic development and create opportunities for long-term employment and independent/interdependent living for members of this population. This unique, 81,000-square-foot development offers three primary components:
1) The First Place Apartments will provide access to various services and amenities--with all the benefits of community-connected, independent living--for adults with autism and other neuro-diversities who are transitioning out of the family home for the first time with the goal of establishing their own.
2) The First Place Transition Academy will offer participating adults 18 and older a residential, two-year, tuition-based program of 32 semester-length courses in life and interpersonal skills, as well as career readiness, to help them find employment and live more independently.
3) The First Place Global Leadership Institute, with a faculty of experts in the field of autism, advances research, provides support through evidence-based best practices and serves as a hub for learning and facilitating replication. The goal is to increase capacity in adult services and housing options nationally and globally for this population.
First Place–Phoenix residents recently gathered to create “intention bracelets” that serve as personal reminders of a specific goal or affirmation. Brooke Moorhead, lead employment specialist, guided everyone on this community service project of encouragement for St. Vincent de Paul as they intentionally threaded their way to some unique results.
#🎨
Thanks to some very generous donors, the walls of First Place–Phoenix are graced with a wide range of art. What do residents think of it? See and hear for yourself.
#🎨
09/25/2026
Elaine Clarke brings an informed perspective to every discussion. She’s also one of many engaging panelists you’ll encounter at Dimensions® 2026, the First Place Global symposium, this October in Phoenix. This year, we’re bridging critical gaps separating individuals with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities from the housing, services and opportunities they need and deserve. Check out the exciting lineup and register at the link in our bio. Don’t miss it!
09/25/2026
The Be Ready® Jobseekers employment readiness program expands employment opportunities for individuals who are neurodivergent.
The in-person program is designed for individuals ages 16 and older with autism, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, neurodiversity and/or mental health diagnoses.
Build skills for the workplace you want to be part of. https://bit.ly/4eUh8Bu
Self-advocates, local leaders and community members recently assembled at Ability360 for another energizing Spark the Spectrum, the civic engagement and education event hosted by First Place Global’s Vote the Spectrum. The gathering sparked powerful conversation and a collective sense of purpose—helping ensure we have a democracy that works for everyone!
We’re all looking forward to Dimensions® 2026, the 15th First Place Global symposium in Phoenix, October 14–16. That makes now a great time to look back at the powerful symposium we experienced in 2025! Ready for more? Register for Dimensions 2026 at the link. https://events.zoom.us/ev/AtDH_yz1c76Bjilk_EMXnSOGOS5PVHW7nCZeE86qZL8CA9PcAqUI~At3umpHTcqFIEtsC80kv-zrANrqdaaZzGjpu6QCSmb_VI5leOcGUUwwfwpb29tIQYkiz2uEJTMhPKVo1qjV0jIk55Q?utm_source=Social+Media
First Place–Phoenix residents are learning firsthand the benefits of synergy—when one plus one equals far more than two. After the merging of the former Zen Room with the new-and-improved Strength Room, they can now take advantage of a full range of equipment to stay focused on mind AND body in a space that welcomes both solo and group efforts—thanks to the ever-positive guidance of Rebecca Bauer, our very own on-site wellness coordinator.
09/23/2026
What should you do if you make a mistake at work?
✅ Be honest about what happened.
✅ Ask how to correct it.
✅ Learn from the experience.
Be Ready® gives participants opportunities to practice these kinds of workplace situations.
Build skills you can use on the job. https://bit.ly/4eXYiJV
Another First Place Be Ready cohort graduated—better prepared to pursue employment and greater independence!
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Contact the organization
Telephone
Address
3001 North 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ
85012
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |