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

Sacaton teen finds support and compassion at Baby Smarts

1/10/2018
family support

When high school teen Amy Rhodes found out she was pregnant, she worried about her baby’s future.She soon connected to Baby Smarts, a program funded by…

Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services support family as their son’s first and best teacher

1/10/2018
parenting education

Lydia Aguilar-Ott and her husband started taking parenting classes before their son was born.They had heard over and over that even when parents aren’t…

Home visitation program helps lay foundation of learning for Ahwatukee girl

1/10/2018
family support

Like all expecting parents, Marriott Hileman dreamed of raising a successful child. When Sofia was born, Hileman made the decision to stay home so she could…

Quality First program helps Parker siblings take center stage with learning

1/10/2018
Colorado River Indian Tribes

Amanda Lucas remembers that shortly after enrolling her 2 ½-year-old daughter Layla at the SonShine Center in Parker, the toddler was ready to take center…

Home visits help Cocopah toddler communicate better with family

1/10/2018
family support

During a local health fair, a mother of a 2-year-old boy approached the Cocopah Early Steps program table. The mom shared that she and her…

Parent education program helps Fredonia girl become a problem solver

1/10/2018
family support

Danielle Smith and her husband wanted to ensure they had the parenting skills needed to form positive relationships with their two daughters and get them ready…

Kindergarten Boot Camp encourages excitement for learning in Phoenix boy

12/19/2017
school readiness

When Erica Sarmiento learned about Kindergarten Bootcamp, a Phoenix Public Library program funded by First Things First, she put it on the top of her…

Quality First preschool helps Tucson boy transition to kindergarten

12/19/2017
Quality First

Anita Meek had a decision to make.Her son Levi was turning five in September, but he would miss the cut-off day for kindergarten by ten days. She weighed…

Quality First preschool prepares Yuma siblings for kindergarten success

12/12/2017
Quality First

As a divorced single mother of 2-year-old twin boys and a 9-month-old daughter, Laura Elena Torres of Yuma struggled to make rent, food and other monthly…

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