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Region Stories from Southwest Maricopa

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.

Mom finds educational and fun resources to prepare her young daughter for kindergarten at Gila Bend…

  • Southwest Maricopa

The FTF Southwest Maricopa Regional Council funds Gila Bend Family Resource Center to provide a community hub of services and programs for families.

Lila Garza is the Southwest Maricopa Champion

  • champion

Lila Garza has been selected as the 2021 First Things First Southwest Maricopa Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively…
Mother reading to her children that are sitting next to her on the floor

Home visitation program provides Avondale boys path to success

  • family support

The FTF Southwest Maricopa Regional Partnership Council funds the home visitation strategy which offers individualized support to parents of young children.
Sarah Mendoza

Sarah Mendoza is the 2020 First Things First Southwest Maricopa Champion

  • champion

Sarah Mendoza has been selected as the 2020 First Things First Southwest Maricopa Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who…
family with parent educator

Home visitation program helps Buckeye boy expand his vocabulary

  • family support

Reina Jimenez said, “I know that this program is what helped his progress the most and I am happy and relieved about his development.”

woman smiling

Chantal Tademy is the 2019 Southwest Maricopa Region Champion

  • champion

Chantal Tademy has been selected as the 2019 First Things First Southwest Maricopa Region Champion for Young Children.
boy in graduation cap with family behind him

In-home child care puts quality first and helps Buckeye boy test early into kindergarten

  • Quality First

With help from a Quality First scholarship, the Linos enrolled their son in a licensed in-home child care center in Buckeye.
Elena Armbrust

Elena Armbrust is Southwest Maricopa’s 2018 Champion for Young Children

  • champion

Elena Armbrust has been selected as the 2018 Southwest Maricopa First Things First Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who…
Boy with graduation cap and certificate

Developmental screening program helps get Avondale preschooler ready for kindergarten

  • developmental screenings

Maria Covarrubias of Avondale remembers watching her 3-year-old son Cesar, sitting by the door all day waiting for his older sister to return from…

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