First Things First Graham/Greenlee Regional Partnership Council Allocated $441,450.00 to Serve Children 0-5
Board allocated funds at meeting on Tuesday, August 6, 2008
SAFFORD, Ariz. (September 9, 2008) First Things First – the Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board – approved $441,450 in First Things First funds for the Graham/Greenlee Regional Partnership Council to create positive change for young children and their families in their community. There are 31 Regional Partnership Councils – voluntary governance bodies responsible for improving early childhood development and health outcomes for children zero through age five in neighborhoods and tribal lands in every county across the state. Regional Partnership Councils are determining local priorities for community needs or identified service gaps.
“We are excited at the prospect of identifying needs and facilitating important resources for the young children in our communities. The fact that each of our council members live within the boundaries of Graham and Greenlee counties will enhance our ability to identify those critical needs.”
Laurie Smith, Chair
- First Things First funds are generated by a statewide 80 cent tax on tobacco products.
- Regional Partnership Councils receive 81 percent of the total funds, while 10 percent of the funds are used for agency administrative costs and nine percent for statewide initiatives.
- Allocation for each region is based on census population numbers of children birth through 5 years old, with extra weight given to children in poverty.
- Funding will be distributed through a grant application process beginning in January of 2009 with grant awards beginning on July 1, 2009.
First Things First is creating an early childhood system that affords Arizona children an equal chance to reach their fullest potential, provide families with real choices about their children’s educational and developmental experiences, and engage every community in sharing the responsibility as well as enjoy the benefits of safe, healthy and productive residents.
“We are convinced that if children ages zero to five have a productive, safe and healthy start in life, then their chance of future success is greatly improved. Through First Things First we hope to offer every young child those vital opportunities.” Laurie Smith, Chair
The Graham/Greenlee Regional Partnership Council is comprised of 11 individuals who represent parents, early care and education, health, education, the faith-based community, business, philanthropy, and school administrator. Each member will serve an initial 2 or 4 year term: Laurie Smith-Chair, Shari Elkins-Vice Chair, David Alford, Cindi Alva, Jan Elliott, Ryan Henry, Ann Johnson, Stacy Kramer, Donna McGaughey and Retha Russell. The eleventh and final council seat is currently vacant. The Graham/Greenlee Regional Partnership Council is in the process of recruiting a Health Service Provider who currently resides and/or practices in Greenlee County.
###