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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.

Reading bonds siblings in Graham County

  • strong families

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

Sacaton teen finds support and compassion at Baby Smarts

  • 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

  • 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…
mom-reads-to-girl

Home visitation program helps lay foundation of learning for Ahwatukee girl

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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…
family photo

Parent education program helps Fredonia girl become a problem solver

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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…

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