SARASOTA – Children First recognized philanthropist, Gerri Aaron at a special ceremony Thursday, April 13th.
Children First honored Gerri Aaron who has been extraordinarily dedicated to the program. She has made a gift to take Children First to the next level.
The education wing was named after her.
Children First is a nationally-recognized program of excellence that helps [...]
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. 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. Congratulations Helen! It is with the help of trailblazers like you that Children First continues to transform lives, now and into the future. ... See MoreSee Less
Check out this fun event by Suncoast Charities for Children!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. Thank you, Suncoast Charities for Children! ... See MoreSee Less
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: He believed in me.” - Jim ValvanoWishing you a very happy Father's Day, from our family to yours. We hope you enjoy your special day! ... See MoreSee Less
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!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. 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! 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. 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. 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! 🥳 ... See MoreSee Less
The Impact of the Giving Challenge In 2016, the Giving Challenge enabled Children First to provide quality early childhood education and family strengthening services to over 600 children and their families. Children were able to learn in a safe space, receive the education and care they needed, and get their bellies filled with healthy [...]
SARASOTA, FL (WWSB) – It was the “big” kids reading to the “little” kids today to celebrate March being National Reading Month.
The kindergarten students from Hershorin Schiff Community Day School spent the morning reading to the preschool students at the Helen R. Payne Children First Center. A great way for the budding readers to get [...]
When the sun finally rose over debris-filled streets the morning after Hurricane Irma hit the Suncoast, the staff at Children First, the nonprofit exclusive Head Start provider in Sarasota County, had more on their minds than their own families and homes. They worried about the more than 600 children they serve each day. Did [...]