As a child, Jayla Lackaff would often escape to the expansive worlds within her favorite video games to get away from her turbulent reality — the computer screen a wall separating her from the clashes between her mom and stepdad, who were often arguing around her, if not about her.

She had no idea at the time that video games would later offer an oasis after she ended up in foster care, or that they would turn into a professional pursuit as she pieced her adult life together with the help of First Place for Youth, a nonprofit based in Oakland that provides housing and case management for people transitioning out of the foster care system and into adulthood.

This past January, the organization found an Alameda apartment for Lackaff, now 22. She lives with a roommate who also recently transitioned out of foster care.

In addition to free housing, Lackaff has a career counselor, who encouraged her to continue her studies. So when she came across a program in video game design, she felt like she could envision a career for herself.

“It’s the perfect blend of a profitable skill that will support me and something that will make me feel fulfilled,” Lackaff said.

Last semester, Lackaff enrolled in general education classes at College of Alameda, a short walk from her apartment. In a few years, she hopes to transfer to UC Santa Cruz. Without the housing provided by the nonprofit, Lackaff said she isn’t sure she would be on the path toward a degree.

Carmen Gomez, Lackaff’s supervisor at First Place for Youth, says that by providing additional resources beyond housing, the organization can help its young participants chart their own path.

“At times, when you take on those next steps by yourself, it can be overwhelming,” said Gomez, who participated in the My First Place program herself in 2009.