First Place AZ
Share
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.
There’s still time to register for Dimensions® 2026, First Place Global’s annual symposium in Phoenix, AZ from Oct. 14–16. And good news: The Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown, within walking distance of First Place–Phoenix, has extended its discounted event rate until Friday, Sept. 25. Click the link in our bio to register and book your room!
For World Gratitude Day, First Place–Phoenix residents took a moment to reflect and express their appreciation. We feel gratitude for every one of them!
First Place–Phoenix residents are proving there are many steps to physical fitness—and all of them are vertical! The stair challenge is a twice-weekly endeavor that many residents use as an opportunity to push themselves—and each other. Keep it UP!
09/18/2026
Effective ways a Be Ready® Job Coach can give clear feedback to a jobseeker:
➡ Be specific about the behavior or task.
➡ Explain what went well.
➡ Give details on what they can do differently next time.
➡ Provide an example when appropriate.
Being a Be Ready® Job Coach means providing individualized support while encouraging jobseekers to become more independent in the workplace.
Join the next Be Ready® Job Coach training. Get started: https://bit.ly/3EaAwNn
09/17/2026
Together we can make sure democracy works for everyone! Join other energized autism and/or intellectual/developmental disability advocates at votethespectrum.org—and help build momentum for a more inclusive democracy. Your voice and vote matter! Stay informed about Vote the Spectrum on our social media channels.
Vote the Spectrum
It’s time to click and register for Dimensions® 2026, the First Place Global symposium October 14–16 in Phoenix! Join fellow changemakers as we explore ways to bridge critical gaps separating individuals with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities from the housing, services and opportunities they need and deserve. You won’t want to miss this year’s powerful program—click the link to register! https://events.zoom.us/ev/AtDH_yz1c76Bjilk_EMXnSOGOS5PVHW7nCZeE86qZL8CA9PcAqUI~At3umpHTcqFIEtsC80kv-zrANrqdaaZzGjpu6QCSmb_VI5leOcGUUwwfwpb29tIQYkiz2uEJTMhPKVo1qjV0jIk55Q?utm_source=Social+Media
09/16/2026
Rebecca Bauer, First Place–Phoenix health & wellness coordinator, has plenty of good stuff to say about the green stuff on National Guacamole Day! And here’s a tasty tip: Swap chips for raw vegetables like cucumber slices, baby carrots, bell pepper strips or jicama. Olé to that! 🥑🥑🥑
09/16/2026
Clear advancement criteria give employees a better understanding of how they can grow within an organization. From hiring to career growth conversations, Be Open + Be Ready® brings neuro-inclusive thinking into the full employment experience.
Make career growth part of your neuro-inclusion strategy. https://bit.ly/4kzFhAz
09/15/2026
Hispanic Heritage Month spans two months, from September 15 to October 15. It’s a time to shine a bright, colorful light on the Hispanic community’s lasting contributions to the culture and history of the United States—from art and food to family and business. No doubt President Lyndon Johnson was looking at the calendar when he signed it into law in 1968—tomorrow, September 16, is Independence Day of Mexico.
September typically means the start of fall—everywhere but the Arizona desert. But that didn’t stop First Place–Phoenix residents from trying their hand at tying together welcoming fall-themed wreaths for their apartment doors. Heartfelt thanks to Nicole Newman of K2 Adventures Foundation and her infinite repertoire of clever crafts!
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
Category
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 |