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

August 15, 2025

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

Tohono O’odham Nation elder finds joy in guiding and shaping young children

11/15/2019
tribal

The path to earning two college degrees was not a simple one for Juan, whose career in early childhood education on the Tohono O’odham Nation spans more than…

Whiteriver families take parenting workshops to help prepare their children to succeed in…

11/15/2019
family support

Sylvia Hinton is training parents to help their children succeed in school in Whiteriver, Az through free parenting workshops.

Parenting class helps young mom and dad from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community look at…

11/15/2019
family support

“After we took the class, we really started talking more, sitting with each other, reading books, trying to understand each other and communicate,” said…

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

11/15/2019
family support

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

Scottsdale Family Resource Center helps young sisters establish healthy emotional behaviors

11/15/2019
family support

“These programs have made a difference for our family,” Chris Ortiz said. “I genuinely feel that I have become a more capable and confident parent.”

Quality First preschools in Globe-Miami area helping children prepare for kindergarten

11/15/2019
Quality First

Brandi White, a mother of four children and a former elementary school teacher has seen a difference in her 4-year-old son, Vander, since enrolling him in…

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…

Quality First scholarships allow two sisters to access high-quality care

11/15/2019
Quality First

Angelina Ramirez is a single mom who is determined to provide the best for her two daughters, Ella and Jewel. However, as a working mom, affording quality…

Lake Havasu City preschool helps twin sisters learn social emotional skills to be ready for…

11/15/2019
Quality First

Lake Havasu mother finds Quality First preschool for her daughters to have the best opportunity to develop and gain the needed skills for kindergarten.

« Previous 1 … 19 20 21 22 23 … 43 Next »