Now Accepting Applications to Make a Difference!

First Things First Seeks Applicants Ready to Impact Lives of Young Kids

PHOENIX (March 8, 2012) - If you are a South Phoenix community member interested in helping our youngest children arrive at kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed, the First Things First South Phoenix Regional Partnership Council needs you!

Research has shown a child’s early experiences lay the foundation for a lifetime of success in school and beyond. First Things First works to expand and enhance education and health services for children from birth through age five so they arrive at school prepared to succeed.

“(By serving on a regional council) you can make a difference for upcoming generations to achieve success in school, have strong family bonds, and become self-sufficient, successful adults that reinvest in their community,” said Jennifer Quillin, a member of  the South Phoenix Regional Partnership Council.  “Because of your help, children feel hope and possibility for the future.”

The South Phoenix Regional Council has direct responsibility to: collect information on the strengths and needs of the South Phoenix, Laveen and Maryvale communities; prioritize the specific needs of children from birth through age 5; plan how to address those needs; choose who to partner and collaborate with to ensure success for the children in their area; and, make funding decisions necessary to carry out their plan.

Regional Council members also participate in community outreach to educate community leaders, public policymakers and the general public about First Things First and the importance of investing in early childhood.

In 2011, services funded by the South Phoenix Regional Council resulted in:

• Nearly 600 3- and 4-year olds enrolled in high quality preschool programs to prepare them to succeed in kindergarten and beyond;
• More than 17,000 families and children sought services in family resource centers where they had access to early education, parent support and literacy services; and,
• Approximately 700 parents and caregivers participated in home visitation services and were given tools, options and support to make healthy choices for their children and their family.

The South Phoenix Regional Council is looking for candidates from various backgrounds – including those in the business, health, faith or philanthropic communities – that have an interest in early childhood development and health.

The position will require a commitment of at least ten hours per month. Previous experience on local decision-making boards is a plus.

For more information and to apply, go to www.azftf.gov/apply .

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