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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…
Globe/Payson Community Forums

Community forums explore child care solutions for Gila County

  • child care

The FTF Gila Region and partnered with local chambers of commerce in Globe-Miami and Payson to talk about the child care crisis.

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.
Welcome new regional council members

New regional council members share expertise and passion

  • AZ communities

There are 36 new regional partnership council members joining the more than 250 dedicated community members across Arizona.
Two young children running outside of their portable classroom as the teacher looks on.

Expanding child care options in Arizona one center at a time

  • child care

In recent years, across Arizona, FTF has supported expanded child care options through direct funding and collaborating on ideas.

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

  • parenting education

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

  • champion

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

  • oral health

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

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