Region Stories from Santa Cruz

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.

Nogales boy’s healthy development benefits from family resource center visits

January 25, 2024
Santa Cruz family resource centers

The First Things First Santa Cruz Regional Council funds family resource centers in the region to provide families with the information, services and support they need to help their children achieve their fullest potential. Read More

Family resource center prepares Nogales family for children’s school experience

12/15/2022
family resource centers

The Santa Cruz Regional Council funds family resource centers in the region to provide a community hub of services and programs for families.

Experienced mom gets support to parent 2-year-old daughter in Rio Rico

12/2/2021
Santa Cruz

The FTF Santa Cruz Region funds the program, which provides parents with no-cost, in-home visits from a parent educator.

Gloria Pliego is the 2021 Santa Cruz Region Champion

7/2/2021
champion

Gloria Pliego has been selected as the 2021 First Things First Santa Cruz Region Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively…

Family on grass, smiling and wearing matching denim

Home visitation program helps Nogales brother and sister excel in developmental milestones

12/21/2020
Santa Cruz

The FTF Santa Cruz Regional Partnership Council funds the home visitation strategy which offers individualized support to parents of young children.

Jethzabel Leon is the 2020 First Things First Santa Cruz Champion

6/2/2020
Santa Cruz

Jethzabel Leon has been selected as the 2020 First Things First Santa Cruz Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively…

FTF Santa Cruz Region’s Celebrate the Young Child kicks off Early Childhood Education Awareness…

2/7/2020
Santa Cruz

A partnership with organizations across Santa Cruz County has made early childhood awareness more visible throughout the community.

3-year-old boy gets prepared for kindergarten at family resource center in Rio Rico

11/15/2019
family resource centers

The Rio Rico Family Resource center provided the Luna’s with free classes and other activities to help their son prepare for kindergarten.

Darcy Dixon is the 2019 Santa Cruz Region Champion

6/19/2019
Santa Cruz

Darcy Dixon has been selected as the 2019 First Things First Santa Cruz Region Champion for Young Children.

Quality First preschool helps Rio Rico girl fall in love with school

12/5/2018
early care and education

Quality First preschool not only set up girl academically, but it set a strong foundation for socializing, which is so important at that age.

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