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Region Stories

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 spirited personality and was often described as a firecracker.She was a… Read More

Beverly Malone outside

Beverly Malone is the 2021 White Mountain Apache Tribe Champion for Young Children

  • White Mountain Apache Tribe

Beverly Malone has been selected as the 2021 First Things First White Mountain Apache Tribe Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions…
Headshot of Ana Bribiesca

Ana Bribiesca is the 2021 Yuma Champion for Young Children

  • Yuma

Ana Bribiesca has been selected as the 2021 First Things First Yuma Region Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively…
headshot of Maria Avila

Maria Avila is the 2021 Pima North Champion for Young Children

  • champion

Maria Avila has been selected as the 2021 First Things First Pima North Region Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively…
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…
baby photo of Audrey Optiz reading to her baby brother.

Audrey Opitz is the 2021 Gila Champion for Young Children

  • Gila

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…
Pima County Parenting Coalition logo

Pima County Parenting Coalition is the 2021 Pima South Champion for Young Children

  • Pima South

The Pima County Parenting Coalition has been selected as the 2021 First Things First Pima South Region Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local…

David Barko is the 2021 Yavapai Champion for Young Children

  • Yavapai

David Barko has been selected as the 2021 First Things First Yavapai Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively devote…

Grace Hecht is the La Paz/Mohave Champion for Young Children

  • La Paz/Mohave

Grace Hecht of Bullhead City has been selected as the 2021 First Things First La Paz/Mohave Region Champion for Young Children. The award is given to local…

Mary Ann Sawyer is the 2021 Southeast Maricopa Champion for Young Children

  • Southeast Maricopa

Mary Ann Sawyer has been selected as the 2021 First Things First Southeast Maricopa Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who…

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