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.

Michael Peterson is the 2020 First Things First Graham/Greenlee Champion

June 4, 2020
champion Graham/Greenlee

Graham County Superior Court Judge Michael D. Peterson has been selected as the 2020 First Things First Graham/Greenlee Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively volunteer their time to raise public… Read More

Safford library story time helps instill love of learning in girl

11/15/2019
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…

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…