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Children First Blog
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March 4, 2019
February 22nd, 2019 – People who are especially passionate about teaching literacy congregated at Michael’s on East on Feb. 22 to celebrate the 12th Literacy Matters Luncheon hosted by the Literacy Council of Sarasota. Over 100 people came out to support the organization.
The Literacy Council of Sarasota uses this event to award those who have supported [...]
February 8, 2019
The Venice Yacht Club and the VYC Charitable Foundation celebrated a successful 2018 year with its membership at the annual Donor Appreciation Night on Jan. 24.
It was a milestone year for the foundation, which received more than $118,000 in donations and provided grants to local charities of approximately $103,000.
One of the guest speakers, Phillip Tavill, [...]
January 31, 2019
January 16, 2019 – Long-time Children First supporter and former Chairwoman of the Board, Jo Rutstein, was honored at the National Council of Jewish Women “Women in Power” luncheon on January 16th. Jo was one of four honorees selected by the organization for her social justice work improving the lives of women, children and [...]
January 31, 2019
January 2nd, 2019 – Like so many area residents, Frank and Katherine Martucci started off as Sarasota snowbirds. “We rented here for one month out of the year,” reports Katherine. Then it was two months. And in 2017, she explains that “we found we were spending more and more time here. We felt like [...]
January 31, 2019
November 30, 2018 – A tough start in life inspires Albert & Norma Cohen to help launch Children First’s Forever Society.
If anyone knows how crucial it is to get a good start in life when born into challenging circumstances, it’s Albert H. Cohen. The retired CEO, who had a highly successful career leading large [...]
January 31, 2019
October 9, 2018 – Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota and the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, located in New Port Richey, recently held a ribbon-cutting event at Children First to launch a new mobile audiology service for children from low-income families living in the area.
Part of an effort involving Sertoma clubs from [...]
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Thank you to one of our amazing volunteers, Gayle, who visited with some of the children in our Early Head Start program in honor of Reading for Literacy Day! ![]()
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The children enjoyed the stories of Chica-Chica Boom Boom and The Hungry Caterpillar after a healthy and nutritious breakfast. #manyhandsmakelightwork
We can't wait to "sea" everyone at our annual beachside fashion show and luncheon at the picturesque Sharky's On the Pier! Limited seats and sponsorships are available - secure your spot now: www.childrenfirst.net/?p=5364
Happy Friday! ![]()
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We just had to share this sweet photo of one of our teachers, Bridget, with two of the newest and youngest children to join our program - this adorable set of twins! #twinning
In honor of World Gratitude Day, we'd like to say THANK YOU to the Jerome & Mildred Paddock Foundation for providing our agency with a grant of $50,000 in support of our family strengthening services!![]()
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Our family strengthening services encompass a comprehensive range of programs, including prenatal education, early childhood development initiatives, parent training and support, and access to essential resources. #gratitude
We are honored to be featured by our partners at the Florida Head Start Association! ![]()
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Being named as a Top Workplace in our region is a testament to the incredible work and commitment that our staff, families, and supporters put in each and every day. Thank you!#ThankfulThursday this week goes to Children First, Inc. for recently being named as Top Workplace in Sarasota-Manatee for the fifth consecutive year. In addition, Children First also received national recognition through Top Workplaces USA in the nonprofit category. We are so excited to congratulate Children First on this major accomplishment! Help us share the celebration in the comments🎉![]()
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For more information visit these links- ![]()
www.tampabaynewswire.com/2023/09/05/children-first-named-as-top-workplace-in-sarasota-manatee-for...![]()
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sarasotanewsleader.com/children-first-recognized-as-top-employer-in-sarasota-manatee-area-for-fif...
February 16, 2023
Children First, Inc., the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, is proud to announce that parent and Policy Council Liaison Maria Somera and CEO Philip Tavill have been honored by the Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) for their impact in elevating excellence in Florida’s Head Start Community.
Representing nearly [...]
April 25, 2023
“Thy loving smile will surely hail the love-gift of a fairy tale.”
On April 1, the magic of Lewis Carroll’s “Through the Looking Glass,” his sequel to “Alice in Wonderland,” created a festive backdrop for the 23rd Annual Fairytale Ball, hosted by Children First at Michael’s on East.
In the words of Alice, “The only way to [...]
May 11, 2023
Once each year we stop to say thank you to the most important person in our world – our mother. She loves unconditionally, is our first and most important teacher, and our constant source of strength and love through good times and bad.
Here at Children First, we understand there is no more important job in [...]
May 18, 2023
(Left to right: CEO Philip Tavill, VP of Programs Kathleen Sullivan, VP of Philanthropy Jessica Rogers, and Board Chair Brock Leach)
Philip Tavill, CEO of Children First, has been honored by the National Head Start Association (NHSA) for his significant achievements in excellence in community service.
The NHSA represents more than one million children, 275,000 staff, [...]
