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Region Stories from Gila

These stories illustrate how early childhood programs and services funded by First Things First make a difference for young children and families in communities across Arizona.

Honoring Carolyn Haro

Carolyn Mawson Haro, of Globe, passed away on July 24, 2025, in Tucson, after living with cancer. Fittingly born on Independence Day, Carolyn was known for her spirited personality and was often described as a firecracker.She was a… Read More

Hearing screening prompts medical treatment for Payson girl

  • Gila

The First Things First GIla Regional Partnership Council funds hearing, vision and developmental screenings in Gila County for children up to 5 years old.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Gila 2022 Impact Report Story

Library program fosters children’s love of reading

  • Gila

The FTF Gila Regional Partnership Council funds the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program through the Gila County Library District.

First time mom and dad get boost of confidence from parenting class in Miami

  • Gila

The FTF Gila Regional Partnership Council funds parenting education classes for local parents and caregivers.
baby photo of Audrey Optiz reading to her baby brother.

Audrey Opitz is the 2021 Gila Champion for Young Children

  • Gila

Audrey Opitz has been selected as the 2021 First Things First Gila Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively volunteer…

Oral health program in Payson helps with 4-year-old boy’s dental needs

  • Gila

The FTF Gila Regional Partnership Council funds the First Smiles program to help support families in caring for their children’s oral health.
head shot of Andrea Ricke

Adrea Ricke is the 2020 Gila Champion

  • Gila

Adrea Ricke has been selected as the 2020 First Things First Gila Champion for Young Children.

Quality First preschools in Globe-Miami area helping children prepare for kindergarten

  • Gila

Brandi White, a mother of four children and a former elementary school teacher has seen a difference in her 4-year-old son, Vander, since enrolling him in…

Hearing screening at Quality First center helps Payson boy be successful

  • Gila

One of the requirements of Quality First centers is to conduct early screenings to assess health and developmental issues in children.

Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services support family as their son’s first and best teacher

  • Gila

Lydia Aguilar-Ott and her husband started taking parenting classes before their son was born.They had heard over and over that even when parents aren’t…

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