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Region Stories from Phoenix South

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.

J Brown and AM Smith

Jessica Brown Anna Marie Smith are Phoenix South’s 2018 Champions for Young Children

  • champion

Jessica Brown and Anna Marie Smith have been selected as the 2018 Phoenix South First Things First Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local…

Kindergarten Boot Camp encourages excitement for learning in Phoenix boy

  • Phoenix South

When Erica Sarmiento learned about Kindergarten Bootcamp, a Phoenix Public Library program funded by First Things First, she put it on the top of her…
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Phoenix boy gets strong foundation from home visitation program

  • Phoenix South

After Porsche Brown gave birth to her first child, Zaire, she remembered taking him home and being extremely nervous about being a first-time parent. Even the…

Quality preschool puts Phoenix first grader at top of class

  • Phoenix South

​​Maria Jesus Cervantes’ initial experience with a poor quality child care center left her toddler crying every time she dropped her off.Through Quality…
mom-in-class-with-kids

Family resource center empowers Phoenix boy to find independence

  • family resource centers

Felicitas Padron of Phoenix assumed that her children’s learning started with their kindergarten teacher. The mother of three learned otherwise at the…

Brianna Spadafora is Phoenix South’s 2017 Champion for Young Children

  • champion

Brianna Spadafora has been selected as the 2017 Phoenix South First Things First Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively…
girl-with-helmet-smiling

Quality preschool helps third grader reach top of the class

  • Quality First

When their daughter Natalia was just 18-months-old, long before preschool, Phoenix resident Maria de Jesus Cervantes and her husband began searching for a…
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Scholarship program keep kids learning, parents working

  • Phoenix South

​​​​​​​As a single mom of three boys, Angie struggled to afford child care while still keeping food on the table. She has let the lights go out…

A safe haven for children in need

  • Quality First

​​​​​​Walking into a haven like UMOM Hobbs Child Development Center immediately fills you with a sense of comfort and safety. The quiet as tiny…

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