First Things First partners with families and communities to help our state’s youngest children prepare for kindergarten and beyond.
Many young children in Arizona face challenges that threaten their healthy development and learning. In the Phoenix South Region, there are 65,037 children (under age 6) with 42% living in poverty.
Here is how FTF is working to support young children and their families in this region.
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“If we can prepare a child for kindergarten, we ultimately are preparing that same child for college. Poverty is a barrier that can be bridged by education. FTF makes this possible for all children by investing in their lives. Early childhood programs and services are the keys to a brighter future for not only our children but for our communities as well.” Pastor Karen Stewart |
Phoenix South Regional Key Impact Highlights
[Fiscal Year 2020]
7,686 Families of newborns received the Arizona Parent Kit, filled with tips and tools to help support their child’s healthy development.
4,630 Families or caregivers served by receiving referrals or by participating in activities at family resource centers.
7,150 Children attended preschools and child care programs participating in Quality First.
1,245 Children birth to age 5 received a Quality First scholarship to attend high-quality preschools and child care programs.
2,759 Children received fluoride varnishes applied to protect against childhood tooth decay.
2,336 Children monitored to receive appropriate screenings to detect vision, hearing and developmental issues to prevent learning challenges later on.
4,075 Children received a screening to detect tooth decay, which left undetected and untreated could cause damage to permanent teeth, impair speech development and failure to thrive.
592 Families with young children participated in voluntary home visiting programs proven to reduce parental stress levels, increase connections to community supports, and improve children’s cognitive, motor, behavioral and social-emotional development.
Phoenix South Family Story
Kith and Kin program helps Phoenix mom provide structure in son’s life
Alba Souffle noticed her 3- year-old son Aled was struggling with behavior issues at home.
“He would not follow the rules, he would refuse to clean up after himself, and he had temper tantrums,” she said.
When these behaviors arose, Souffle, mother of two boys, said she would put aside his most favorable items until his behavior improved. A friend suggested she attend a class called, Play and Learn.
Read moreFTF Phoenix South Regional Partnership Council
SFY20 Total Regional Program Expenditures
The FTF Phoenix South Regional Partnership Council is made up of volunteers who study the unique needs of the local community and decide how funds should be used to best support the healthy development and early learning of young children birth to age 5. FTF invests in proven programs and innovative strategies through grants to community organizations that provide services to children and families.
| Quality Child Care and Preschool | $9,660,456 | 54% |
| Strengthening Families | $4,281,179 | 24% |
| Preventive Health | $2,873,312 | 16% |
| Research and Evaluation | $509,015 | 3% |
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Workforce Development and Training |
$196,270 | 2% |
| Coordinating Care | $54,368 | 1% |
| TOTAL |
$17,547,600 |
The FTF Phoenix South Region is primarily the southern part of the city of Phoenix. Phoenix South Regional Partnership Council provides services in the city of Phoenix, south of Thomas Road, but also including the communities of Maryvale, north of Thomas (full ZIP code areas of 85031 and 85033 and the city of Phoenix portion of 85037). The region does not include Ahwatukee. The FTF Phoenix South Region includes Legislative Districts 19, 24, 27, 29 and 30. (Legislative districts are not necessarily congruent with regional boundaries.)