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Region Stories from Santa Cruz

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.

Family resource center prepares Nogales family for children’s school experience

  • family resource centers

The Santa Cruz Regional Council funds family resource centers in the region to provide a community hub of services and programs for families.

Experienced mom gets support to parent 2-year-old daughter in Rio Rico

  • Santa Cruz

The FTF Santa Cruz Region funds the program, which provides parents with no-cost, in-home visits from a parent educator.

headshot of Gloria Pliego

Gloria Pliego is the 2021 Santa Cruz Region Champion

  • champion

Gloria Pliego has been selected as the 2021 First Things First Santa Cruz Region Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively…
Family on grass, smiling and wearing matching denim

Home visitation program helps Nogales brother and sister excel in developmental milestones

  • Santa Cruz

The FTF Santa Cruz Regional Partnership Council funds the home visitation strategy which offers individualized support to parents of young children.
Jethzabel Leon

Jethzabel Leon is the 2020 First Things First Santa Cruz Champion

  • Santa Cruz

Jethzabel Leon has been selected as the 2020 First Things First Santa Cruz Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively…
little girl on playground

FTF Santa Cruz Region’s Celebrate the Young Child kicks off Early Childhood Education Awareness…

  • Santa Cruz

A partnership with organizations across Santa Cruz County has made early childhood awareness more visible throughout the community.
family with young son

3-year-old boy gets prepared for kindergarten at family resource center in Rio Rico

  • family resource centers

The Rio Rico Family Resource center provided the Luna’s with free classes and other activities to help their son prepare for kindergarten.
Darcy Dixon

Darcy Dixon is the 2019 Santa Cruz Region Champion

  • Santa Cruz

Darcy Dixon has been selected as the 2019 First Things First Santa Cruz Region Champion for Young Children.
young girl on first day of school

Quality First preschool helps Rio Rico girl fall in love with school

  • early care and education

Quality First preschool not only set up girl academically, but it set a strong foundation for socializing, which is so important at that age.

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