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Children First Blog
Want to know the latest news? You'll find it all in the most recent newsletter HERE!
January 13, 2021
Philip Tavill, the longtime president and CEO of Children First, Sarasota County’s exclusive Head Start provider, has vivid memories of spending time beside his father, a physician working in public health, in locations from Morocco to Milwaukee. His South African mother’s passionate anti-apartheid stance also helped shape his concern for others. “Together, they [...]
January 13, 2021
Children First, Inc., the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services in Sarasota County, is excited to welcome the new slate of board leadership for 2021. Liz Stamoulis, partner at Williams Parker Harrison Dietz & Getzen, Linda Monda, community philanthropist with a special focus on education, children, and families, and Joe Stephan, former Vice President for the National Cash [...]
September 24, 2020
Terry and Bob Lewandowski are originally from Chicago, Illinois where together they hold a combined four degrees in Psychology, Medical Technology, and Industrial Relations from Loyola University. Terry enjoyed a career as a medical technologist in Chicago-area hospitals until the birth of their first child, upon which time she considers herself blessed to be able [...]
March 18, 2020
A Message from CEO Philip Tavill:
As an agency dedicated to strengthening those most vulnerable within our community, we are reaching out to you, the members of our Children First family, directly: the children and families we serve, staff members, volunteers, supporters, and partners. Our highest priority is to ensure the health and well-being of the [...]
March 10, 2020
In 2018, the Giving Challenge enabled Children First to provide the highest quality early childhood education and family strengthening services to more than 700 children and their families. Our children were able to grow and dream in a safe space, receive the education and care they needed to thrive, and get their tummies filled with [...]
March 2, 2020
Children First volunteer Tom Cook was presented with the Be More Involved Mason Dixon Award for Volunteerism at the 15th annual WEDU Public Media Be More Awards. Children First was also recognized as a finalist in three other categories, including the Be More Brilliant, Be More Relevant, and Be More Unstoppable 2020 Nonprofit of [...]
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Tonight at 9pm, join Children First and other area nonprofits as we share the many ways we have pivoted to continue moving our missions forward throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear from CEO Philip Tavill and other nonprofits leaders as we celebrate our incredible community together! #WEDUBeMore
Be More Unstoppable | WEDU PBS
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Today is the day! Join us at 12pm for the 2021 Unity Awards where CEO Philip Tavill is being honored for his contributions to our community alongside former Board Member and long-time supporter Trevor Harvey. ![]()
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Click here to watch the event live! Registration is not required to view: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlyWFYYqDjo&feature=youtu.be
'The earlier the investment, the greater the return.' Thank you to Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation for your incredible, continued support of our children and families and to the Herald-Tribune Media Group for sharing the news in today's edition!
For Barancik Foundation, a new round of community support
www.heraldtribune.com
“Addressing the systemic issues that impact generations of families requires sustained focus,” Barancik CEO Teri A Hansen said.
We are so proud to share with you a special feature about Children First, Board Chair Katherine Martucci, and CEO Philip Tavill that has been printed in SRQ Magazine’s February edition in honor of both our agency’s 60th and Philip’s 25th anniversaries! issuu.com/srqme/docs/srqfeb21_tributetobusiness/s/11670547![]()
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Tribute to Business highlights local luminaries who work hard to create economic opportunities on the Gulf Coast of Florida, and we are proud to share the incredible commitment to our mission shown by each and every staff member, board member, volunteer, and supporter who has helped us to reach these major milestones.![]()
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We encourage you to read about our long history within the community and share it with your loved ones as a proud Children First Ambassador and member of our Children First Family!
Roses are red, violets are blue, in celebration of this special day, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you!![]()
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Although 2020 was an incredibly difficult year, your support helped us to start 2021, and our 60th anniversary, with positivity, hope, and celebration.![]()
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Thank you for always being there for the children and families we serve. We couldn't do it without you. Happy Valentine's Day from your Children First Family!