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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

Allison Hephner

Allison Hephner is the 2021 Navajo/Apache Region Champion

  • champion

Allison Hephner has been selected as the 2021 First Things First Navajo/Apache region Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who…
Mother holding up a book next to her young daughter

Doctors boost literacy through well-child visits in Whiteriver

  • language & literacy

Every family that comes in for a well-child visit appointment gets an age-appropriate book and development information for their child
early childhood educators siting in a children's classroom

Early childhood teachers in Yavapai County learning ways to support social-emotional development of…

  • Yavapai

The FTF Yavapai Regional Partnership Council funds early childhood mental health consultations to better support the social-emotional development of children.
Mom smiling with her three daughters around her

Quality First preschool helps three sisters from San Luis succeed in kindergarten and beyond

  • child care

The FTF Yuma Regional Partnership Council funds Quality First so families can send their children to quality care centers and preschool.
Deidre Ortega

Professional development program helps Tohono O’odham teacher achieve unique experiences for…

  • Tohono O’odham Nation

The professional development program is designed to strengthen knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and how young kids learn.
Mom holding her toddler boy and smiling

Parent education class helps multigenerational household in Scottsdale address 4-year-old’s…

  • family support

The WISH Parent Education Program teachers families about brain development, milestones, communication, discipline and caring for children.
Mother reading to her children that are sitting next to her on the floor

Home visitation program provides Avondale boys path to success

  • Southwest Maricopa

The FTF Southwest Maricopa Regional Partnership Council funds the home visitation strategy which offers individualized support to parents of young children.
Mom smiling and holding her young son who is wearing a striped shirt

Family resource center helps Gilbert boy build self-esteem and self-discipline skills

  • Southeast Maricopa

At AZCEND family resource center, Kat Somers had access to resources, referrals to support services and access to educational programs.
Family on grass, smiling and wearing matching denim

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

  • family support

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

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