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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

girl-by-fence

Yuma mom helps build her daughter’s vocabulary by reading to her from day one

  • Yuma

When Amy Crawford gave birth to her baby girl, she felt an overwhelming anxiety.​​​​​“We felt lost and scared and did not know what to do,”…
Mark Becker

Mark Becker is Yuma’s 2018 Champion for Young Children

  • Yuma

Mark Becker has been selected as the 2018 Yuma First Things First Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively volunteer…
hopi-girl-smiling

Hopi girl’s self-esteem blossoms with help from her mom

  • Coconino

When Tia was 4 years old, her mother Tracy Billy worried about her self-esteem. Billy was working full time during the day at the hospital, taking evening…
teacher-with-kids

Veteran home-based early care provider finds support and encouragement to overcome child’s…

  • Southwest Maricopa

After 26 years nurturing and educating young children, veteran teacher Becky Tellez never expect to face a teaching challenge she couldn’t overcome. But,…
boy-using-computer

Library literacy stations help parents see themselves as a child’s first teacher

  • Pascua Yaqui Tribe

​​​“TWO! That’s my number, that’s how old I am,” said 2 year old Joaquin, as his eyes lit up when he saw the number two flash across the screen…
boy-playing

Readiness Basket program helps families gather to learn

  • Southwest Maricopa

At the tender age of nine months, Luis moved in with his grandmother Maria Altamirano and her husband Miguel.Right away, Altamirano could see that Luis had…
First Things First Logo

Scholarship program keep kids learning, parents working

  • Quality First

​​​​​​​As a single mom of three boys, Angie struggled to afford child care while still keeping food on the table. She has let the lights go out…
twins

Future looks and sounds brighter for preschool twins

  • Phoenix North

Hearing, vision and developmental challenges in young children can lead to learning problems later on. If detected early, however, many issues can be corrected…
boy-in-classroom

Finding hope, making progress: How Angelo overcame Dysphagia

  • Northwest Maricopa

Three-year-old Angelo can count to twenty as he washes his hands. He loves to read books and has a lot of fun playing with his friends at school. But things…

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