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Children First Blog
Want to know the latest news?
You'll find it all in the most recent newsletter HERE!
You'll find it all in the most recent newsletter HERE!
October 26, 2017
Transitioning from one distinguished learning institution to another, Jessica Rogers will join Children First on December 6, 2017 as the new Vice President of Philanthropy after spending eleven years working in fundraising at New College of Florida, the state’s designated honors college for the liberal arts and sciences. As the leader of Children First’s philanthropy [...]
October 26, 2017
In case you missed it, you can check out our most recent Annual Report here!
September 26, 2017
Feelings you may be having during this stressful time:
Trouble sleeping. You might wake up in the night or have nightmares.
Eating changes. You may not be hungry. Or maybe you are eating everything in sight.
Get upset easily; lose your temper; cry a lot.
Can’t stop thinking about the hurricane.
Feel afraid and worried about what is going to [...]
September 12, 2017
UPDATE — All Children First sites will remain closed through Friday, Sept. 15 due to Hurricane Irma. We will re-open on Monday, Sept. 18. Thank you for your patience as we assessed various factors in this process. We hope everyone made it safely through the storm with minimal damage and look forward to seeing you [...]
September 1, 2017
On August 31, 2017, volunteers from Pulte Homes and BrightView landscape Services Englewood lent a helping hand a green thumb to help enhance the grounds at Children First’s Venice location. They generously donated their time and supplies to give at-risk children and families a beautiful welcome when they arrive at school each day. Dozens of volunteers [...]
September 1, 2017
VENICE (SNN-TV) – Children First is a head start program that aims to give underprivileged children and families a better life. Now, some Suncoast businesses are giving back to them.
“Cleaning up a lot of the debris, clean out a lot of the dead plant material,” BrightView Landscape Services branch manager Matt Braun said.
It’s out with [...]
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We are proud to honor Helen Jones Dixon, who was the first ever student enrolled with the historic Newtown Day Nursery, now Children First, alongside her sister Katherine in 1938. ![]()
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Helen was given a plaque from CEO Philip Tavill to commemorate this incredible achievement. With roots running deep in the Newtown community, Helen is a long-time advocate for children and families in need. ![]()
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Congratulations Helen! ![]()
It is with the help of trailblazers like you that Children First continues to transform lives, now and into the future.
Check out this fun event by Suncoast Charities for Children!![]()
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Suncoast Charities for Children is a local non-profit located in Sarasota County. Net revenues raised from special events like this one enable Suncoast Charities for Children to provide financial support to several local non-profits, including Children First. ![]()
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Thank you, Suncoast Charities for Children!
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted. Long-time supporters Stephanie & Allen Hochfelder were featured in Sarasota Scene Magazine 's June edition for their incredible philanthropic efforts that continuously transform the lives of those most in need in our community. Thank you to Scene for this opportunity!! ![]()
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Learn More:![]()
www.scenesarasota.com/magazine/philanthropy-love-at-first-sight-stephanie-and-allen-hochfelder-wi...
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: He believed in me.” - Jim Valvano![]()
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Wishing you a very happy Father's Day, from our family to yours. We hope you enjoy your special day!
We are absolutely thrilled and honored to receive the title of Nonprofit of the Year from the Greater Sarasota Chamber at this year's Small Business Awards!![]()
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This award is recognition of the work we do with our children and families every single day, and a reflection of our laser focus on mission. It’s also an acknowledgement of the incredible innovation of our staff and Leadership Team, children and families, Board of Directors, parent-led Policy Council, volunteers, and supporters. ![]()
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Congratulations to our fellow honorees in the Nonprofit of the Year category, Teen Court of Sarasota, Inc. and Senior Friendship Centers, and to all of the 27 fabulous nominees and winners! ![]()
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We would also like to congratulate our community partners who were honored today, without whom our work would not be possible: Jamie Kahns and team at Bank of America, Jeff Jackson and team at PGT Innovations, David and Stacey Crawford and team at Catalist Realty, and the wonderful team at Michael Saunders & Company. ![]()
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At Children First we like to say, “Many hands make light work of heavy lifting.” Without a helping hand, the burden can easily become too great to bear, so we wish to thank every single person who continues to make the difference for those we serve. ![]()
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On behalf of the entire Children First family, thank you to the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce for recognizing our agency as the 2022 Nonprofit of the Year! 🥳
April 10, 2019
As colorful as the ballroom was, nothing compared to the shades of love that filled it at the Fairytale Ball on April 6. Thank you for sharing this enchanted evening with us.
Because of your support, children in our program will have access to the highest quality early education, their families will have the opportunity to continue their education or work, and many [...]
April 8, 2019
Co-chairs Matt & Krystel Beall, Stan & Jo Rutstein, Carol & Richard Kalikow, and Lisa & Mitch Olan pose for a photo on the dance floor. (Photo: Kayleigh Omang, Observer Media Group)
Children First brought guests back into the tales of their childhood April 6 at Michael’s On East.
Fairytale Ball: “The Enchanted Library” celebrated the work Children [...]
April 1, 2019
Alyssa Simons, Elaine Smith, Jessica Rogers, and Gail Clay
March 27th – Children First was the recipient of support from All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church at their annual fundraiser, Jazzy Nights, on March 20th. Parishioners of the church have gathered over 200 books in both English and Spanish for our children and families as [...]
April 1, 2019
On March 27th, a group from the Sarasota-Manatee Chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women attended a “Lunch & Learn” at Children First’s Marieb Early Learning Center. NCJW member and Children First Forever Ambassador Norma Cohen welcomed the group and spoke from her heart about why Children First is important to her.
Vice President of Philanthropy Jessica Rogers introduced everyone [...]
