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
One of the goals of Children First’s Raise Your Hand Campaign was to help overcome the behavioral and mental health challenges children and families face by offering on-site professional care. As a result of the campaign, Children First introduced its first licensed mental health professional to the team in December 2015. Since then, Dr. Robert [...]
Children First’s Families First Institute is gearing up for its 200th award-winning Nurturing Dads class this spring. On the brink of its 20th year of offering the course, it will hit a new milestone on March 1st when it reaches its 2,000th dad. The free 10-week course is modeled after The Nurturing Father’s Program, a [...]
SARASOTA, FL (WWSB) – The Sarasota Bay Rotary Club brought seasonal cheer and gifts to the students at Children First, Sarasota County’s Head Start provider.
Many of the children at Children First come from low-income families, and may not be able to receive gifts this season without the generosity of the community.
Club members also joined the [...]
10th Annual Flip Flops & Fashion The sun was shining with a perfect breeze as flip-flops hit the sand at the sold-out Flip Flops and Fashion luncheon on November 2nd at Sharky’s on the Pier in Venice. Supporters shopped local boutiques with a portion of sales benefiting Children First. Models donned fashions from L. Boutique, [...]