1,530
Population of young children (under age 6)
66%
Percentage of young children living in poverty
The Gila River Indian Community is located on 372,000 acres of land in south-central Arizona. The Community lies south of the cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Chandler and north of Casa Grande. The Community is divided into seven districts, with the central government seat in Sacaton. Tribal membership includes the Akimel O’otham (Pima) and Pee Posh (Maricopa) tribes. The boundaries of the First Things First Gila River Indian Community match those of the reservation boundaries.
Priorities
The Gila River Indian Community Regional Partnership Council makes strategic investments to support the healthy development and learning of the young children in the region. The regional council’s priorities include:
- Strengthening families through home visitation services for children ages 0 to 3
- Supporting early learning providers and preschool programs, in promoting healthy social-emotional development
- Scholarships for children to access high-quality early learning
First Things First Staff
Jeanine Bashir
Sr. Director, Phoenix Regional Area & Gila River Indian Community
Joshua Billison
Regional Director, Gila River Indian Community
Diane Joralmon
Administrative Assistant III - Phoenix Regions & Gila River Indian Community
Brione Gandara
Administrative Assistant II - Phoenix Regions & Gila River Indian Community
Regional Office
