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Children First Blog
Read our most recent newsletter HERE!
May 18, 2022
As a current Children First parent and as a former Children First student myself, I want to share how this amazing organization has changed my life, and so many other lives in our community.
My daughter Maliya is 5 years old and enrolled in the Head Start program at Children First. She is getting ready to [...]
April 18, 2022
Once upon a time, on April 9 to be exact, more than 300 guests traveled “Into the Woods” for the 22nd annual Fairytale Ball, hosted by Children First at Michael’s on East, which was decorated as a magical forest, filled with dreams and discoveries waiting to be made.
The sold-out event was the first in-person gala [...]
March 16, 2022
Children First was one of five human service agencies honored with the 2022 Change Agent Philanthropic Award by SRQ Magazine. The awards were presented at a luncheon held at the Hyatt-Regency Sarasota recently, as part of SRQ’s SB2 symposia series.
The award was presented to organizations which have “proven their grit, determination and capacity to [...]
March 3, 2022
Not all heroes wear capes, and the philanthropic spirit of our community during the 2020 Giving Challenge helped to save the day for hundreds of at-risk children and families. During this time, our families were suddenly facing a crisis like never before due to the unforeseen circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Children First, 89% of [...]
January 14, 2022
Solar energy and sustainable practices are setting records across America and the state of Florida as demand for renewable resources continues to grow.
As part of an on-going effort in environmental stewardship for Sarasota County, Children First is working to create a more sustainable future through a cross-sector partnership, Partners for Green Places (PGP).
Launched in October [...]
October 14, 2021
We are proud to announce that The Challenge for Changing Lives has raised over $2.3MM in honor of Children First’s 60th Anniversary!
The matching gift challenge was led by the Diamond Circle, a dedicated group of extraordinary supporters leading the charge in advancing the mission of strengthening children and families. Their combined contribution matched, dollar for [...]
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Who says you can't go to school in your pajamas?![]()
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Some of the staff and children at our Dr. Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center dressed in their comfiest and coziest pajamas for a holiday "PJ" party that was held before the holiday break. ![]()
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We hope everyone is having a great start to the new semester!
There is still time to vote for Children First in the 2023 Best of SRQ Local competition!![]()
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Children First is nominated in the following categories:![]()
•Philanthropy – Best Local Nonprofit![]()
•Philanthropy – Best Children’s Nonprofit![]()
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Voting is live through Wednesday, February 8th at midnight: www.srqmagazine.com/2023/bestof#/gallery?group=437428![]()
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Thank you for helping Children First continue be our "best” for the fifth consecutive year!
Did you know that you can sign up for classes through our award-winning Families First Institute? www.childrenfirst.net/sign-up-for-classes/![]()
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With offerings such as our Parent Training Program, Positive Solutions for Families, and Job Skills Training, the Institute's goal is to support parents as the primary educator, nurturer, and advocate for their child. We also aim to assist parents in learning new skills as they work to accomplish goals and achieve self-sufficiency. You can sign up online today!
We loved having the monthly new member meeting for The Junior League of Sarasota at our Dr. Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center! ![]()
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Members had the opportunity to learn about the history of the Junior League's involvement with Children First as a founder of the agency in 1961.![]()
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Special thank you to all of the members who brought in donations of school supplies for our classrooms!
Voting is now live for the 2023 Best of SRQ Local competition! ![]()
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Children First is nominated in the following categories:![]()
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•Philanthropy – Best Local Nonprofit![]()
•Philanthropy – Best Children’s Nonprofit![]()
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As we celebrate our 62nd year of providing high-quality early childhood education and comprehensive services to our community’s most vulnerable children and families, we know that our success would not be possible without your continued support. ![]()
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Please help us out by voting daily, spreading the word, and sharing our mission with our broader community. Voting is live through Wednesday, February 8th at midnight. To vote, please follow this link: www.srqmagazine.com/2023/bestof#/gallery?group=437429![]()
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Thank you for helping Children First continue be our "best” for the fifth consecutive year!
March 25, 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. A steadfast supporter, Mr. Cook became a finalist in the volunteerism category after receiving an outpouring of online votes and was selected as the ultimate winner by Mason [...]
February 25, 2021
February 25, 2021 The circumstances of the last year have forced non-profits to make dramatic changes. WEDU PBS presents Be More Unstoppable, a special broadcast to celebrate non-profits and share stories of resilience and spirit during a challenging year.
Children First and CEO Philip Tavill joined area nonprofits in sharing the many ways we have pivoted [...]
March 15, 2021
March 15, 2021 First, the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, is pleased to announce its 60th Anniversary Co-Chairs and Committee members in recognition of the agency’s historic milestone of six decades of service to the community.
The 60th Anniversary Co-Chairs and Committee members are comprised of past and [...]