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.

Mother with a green shirt playing with her son in blue shirt at a family resource center.

Youngtown mother finds community among moms at FRC

July 28, 2026

Family resource centers provide parents and caregivers with resources to help them create a nurturing environment for children. Read More

Former preemies get strong start at Quality First center in Kingman

1/10/2018
Quality First

Avery and Ariya Espinosa were born 10 weeks premature, each weighing less than four pounds. They spent their first six weeks in the neonatal intensive care…

Reading bonds siblings in Graham County

1/10/2018
language & literacy

Trever Sanchez’s favorite pastime has always been reading.His grandmother, Cindy Stratton, remembers first being introduced to the Dolly Parton…

Sacaton teen finds support and compassion at Baby Smarts

1/10/2018
parenting education

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
family support

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
school readiness

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
school readiness

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…

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