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Region Stories from Gila

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.

Hearing screening prompts medical treatment for Payson girl

  • Gila

The First Things First GIla Regional Partnership Council funds hearing, vision and developmental screenings in Gila County for children up to 5 years old.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Gila 2022 Impact Report Story

Library program fosters children’s love of reading

  • Gila

The FTF Gila Regional Partnership Council funds the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program through the Gila County Library District.
Welcome new regional council members

New regional council members share expertise and passion

  • AZ communities

There are 36 new regional partnership council members joining the more than 250 dedicated community members across Arizona.
Two young children running outside of their portable classroom as the teacher looks on.

Expanding child care options in Arizona one center at a time

  • Pascua Yaqui Tribe

In recent years, across Arizona, FTF has supported expanded child care options through direct funding and collaborating on ideas.

First time mom and dad get boost of confidence from parenting class in Miami

  • parenting education

The FTF Gila Regional Partnership Council funds parenting education classes for local parents and caregivers.
baby photo of Audrey Optiz reading to her baby brother.

Audrey Opitz is the 2021 Gila Champion for Young Children

  • champion

Audrey Opitz has been selected as the 2021 First Things First Gila Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively volunteer…

Oral health program in Payson helps with 4-year-old boy’s dental needs

  • oral health

The FTF Gila Regional Partnership Council funds the First Smiles program to help support families in caring for their children’s oral health.
head shot of Andrea Ricke

Adrea Ricke is the 2020 Gila Champion

  • champion

Adrea Ricke has been selected as the 2020 First Things First Gila Champion for Young Children.
woman with headset, sitting in front of a computer, video chatting with a mom and her child

FTF-funded program fills assessment gap through online developmental screenings

  • child development

The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension has started offering free virtual developmental screenings in some of FTF’s rural and tribal regions.

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