Opportunity 1st. Inc.

At Opportunity 1st. Inc., we're dedicated to empowering young people (ages 13-24) from underserved communities to achieve independence, education, and career success. Founded in 2022, our mission is to provide the guidance, support, and resources that today’s youth need to thrive, with a special focus on those in foster care or aging out of the system.

Our programs address essential needs and are designed to meet young people where they are, helping them overcome challenges and build the skills they need for bright futures. Our goal is to expose, equip, and empower youth and young adults in the areas of education, employment stability, financial literacy, and community services all geared toward setting them on a path to success. Our founder, Lizzie M. Harrington, brings her own story of overcoming obstacles to every initiative, inspired by her journey growing up in Chicago. Her unwavering passion for helping youth and young adults inspires our work each day, and our dedicated Board of Directors and volunteers help drive our mission forward.

Our Core Programs

1. RUN Program:

📘 Who it serves: 8th graders (ages 13-14)

🎯 Focus: Transition support for high school through academic readiness and personal development. This program gives young teens a solid foundation for success as they enter high school.

2. RUN 2.0 Program:

📘 Who it serves: 12th graders (ages 17-18)

🎯 Focus: Life skills and preparation for post-secondary education or vocational training. This 2-year program provides essential support for high school seniors and continues into their freshman year of high school, guiding them on the path to independence.

3. OTT Program (Open to Talk):

📘 Who it serves: 10th and 11th graders

🎯 Focus: Ongoing guidance and personalized support on topics like peer pressure, stress/time management, and self-awareness. This program fosters open communication, helping youth navigate the pressures of high school with resilience and confidence.

4. POP Program (Purpose Over Pain):

📘 Who it serves: Foster youth and young adults (ages 13-24)

🎯 Focus: Specialized support for those in or formerly connected to the foster care system, offering life skills, educational guidance, and career development support. By focusing on youth in foster care, we aim to break down barriers and provide a strong foundation for long-term success.

How You Can Help:  Your support makes a world of difference for these programs! Here are some ways to get involved:

1. Volunteer – Join our team of passionate volunteers in organizing events, chaperoning field trips, and supporting our programs. Your time and skills are invaluable to our youth!
2. Donate – Every contribution, big or small, allows us to offer more resources, expand our reach, and make a lasting impact in the lives of young people.
3. Spread the Word – Share our mission with friends, family, and your community. Raising awareness is a powerful way to support our cause.

Together, we can create a brighter future and empower the next generation to thrive. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.opportunity1st.org

 or contact us directly.

Thank you for helping us make a lasting impact!

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