Region Stories from Graham/Greenlee

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.

Safford library story time helps instill love of learning in girl

November 15, 2019
Graham/Greenlee

When Chandler Aaron was 9 months old, her mom went back to work as a school teacher. Luckily for Chandler, her grandma Barbara Matthews became her full-time caregiver while mom was teaching. Having raised three daughters, Matthews was… Read More

Michelle Pursley is the 2019 Graham/Greenlee Region Champion

6/28/2019
champion

Michelle Pursley has been selected as the 2019 First Things First Graham/Greenlee Region Champion for Young Children.

On-campus child care center helps Safford girl be ready for kindergarten

12/14/2018
Quality First

Family and friends encouraged teen mom to enroll at an alternative high school with an on-campus child care center, so she could continue her education.

Susan Elsberry is Graham/Greenlee’s 2018 Champion for Young Children

5/10/2018
champion

Susan Elsberry has been selected as the 2018 Graham/Greenlee First Things First Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively…

Reading bonds siblings in Graham County

1/10/2018
strong families

Trever Sanchez’s favorite pastime has always been reading.His grandmother, Cindy Stratton, remembers first being introduced to the Dolly Parton…

Paulette LeBlanc is Graham/Greenlee’s 2017 Champion for Young Children

6/5/2017
championss

Paulette LeBlanc has been selected as the 2017 Graham/Greenlee First Things First Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who…

Military veteran finds quality child care to help son learn and grow

3/1/2017
Quality First

Kyle Wright, a veteran, was running out of options.The Navy veteran and single dad was working full-time and taking college classes through the GI Bill, and he…

Early literacy programs prepare Safford kindergartener for success

7/18/2016
school readiness

Stacy Broman-McAdams was new to the Safford community when she first saw an ad for Toddler Story Time at the Safford Library.Broman-McAdams, an experienced…

Access to safe, quality child care gives family a boost

7/11/2016
Quality First

How does a single father raise three little girls and hold a job? For the family of Safford resident Joshua, the First United Methodist…