Company Profile

Company Overview

First Concern sets up and monitors independent living programs for young people who are aging out of the foster care system. We are licensed through the Division of Youth & Family Services, State of New Jersey

Company History

First Concern is a young organization. It was incorporated in October of 1996, so we are almost 5 years old. However, even in so short a time, First Concern has accomplished much. It was established to address the needs of individuals and families who are often forgotten in our community; it’s goal is to eradicate the homelessness and poverty too often faced by New Jersey’s foster care population. These children, usually beginning their “foster care” lives at a very young age, go from individual placements to group homes and eventually to institutions. In these set ups, they have been denied the opportunity to learn independent living skills and societal values and have become dependent on government services for even their most basic every day living requirements. First Concern has put a stop to this cycle for 20 young adults this past year. Our Center for Independent Living model program, the only independent living facility licensed by the state of New Jersey, has received statewide acclaim. We have developed a core curriculum that we hope will be adopted as a model for teaching independent living skills and value recognition nationwide. We have established and are operating 3 cluster apartment sites – one in West Windsor, one in New Brunswick and one in Somerset, each location housing 6 youths. The start-up costs, including apartment furnishings and security deposits, totaling over $70,000 have been raised by First Concern. We have also recently opened a Transitional Living Program in Franklin Township, this facility houses 5 youths. This program allows for comprehensive behavioral assessments for the youth before they go into apartments and will also provide a safe haven for those young people already in one apartment program, who may need temporary respite care.

Our Board of Trustees is made up of persons of diverse backgrounds and skills. Our staff of concerned and highly trained individuals, including Aurelia Frizell, our Founder and Executive Director, all work closely together to accomplish our goals and to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. We believe that our approach is one that works and one that will become the model in New Jersey and throughout the country.

Notable Clients

Troubled Teens