Generation GIV, the inaugural young professional’s giving circle of Children First, presented our award-winning Families First Institute with a check for $5,000 on May 15 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. The funds will support a ‘Positive Solutions for Families’ class.
Launched in 2018, Generation GIV focuses on young professionals who have a desire to change lives [...]
Every first Friday night of the month residents of Gran Paradiso, gather together to enjoy Happy Hour in the activities center at the clubhouse.
In February 2019, Dick and Deborah Miller assumed the responsibility of hosting the popular event introducing a “monthly theme” with decorations.
The monthly Happy hour event gives new residents an opportunity to meet [...]
In the summer of 2018, Children First quietly launched a new endeavor with a focus on young professionals who have a desire to change lives across our community: Generation GIV. In their effort to create a greater and more meaningful impact through philanthropy, members voted on three different projects and opted to fund the [...]
Children First and State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) are proud to announce the formalization of an Early Childhood Education Partnership. Students in the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education will complete their final teaching internship in Children First Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms. These students will intern with teachers in early [...]
On March 27th, a group from the Sarasota-Manatee Chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women attended a “Lunch & Learn” at Children First’s Marieb Early Learning Center. NCJW member and Children First Forever Ambassador Norma Cohen welcomed the group and spoke from her heart about why Children First is important to her. Vice President of [...]
More than 330 supporters helped to create happily ever afters for the most at-risk youth in our community at Children First’s Fairytale Ball: the Enchanted Library. The evening focused on the organization’s mission to strengthen children and families, and provided many opportunities to support the nationally award-winning Head Start programming through live and silent auctions. [...]
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 Margaret L. Bates Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County awarded Children First a $5,000 grant to support a Career Readiness for Women course through the agency’s Families First Institute. The Institute is a family-focused initiative aimed at strengthening Sarasota County’s most economically vulnerable families. The grant will play a vital role in [...]
JULY 8 – Children First has been selected for a matching grant through the Reading is Fundamental literacy network for its commitment to lifelong learning. Books for Ownership is RIF’s flagship reading program that enables children to select new, age-appropriate books to take home and is supported by resources for educators, caregivers and volunteers in [...]
JULY 11, SARASOTA, Fla. (FOX 13) – The building had its wear and tear inside. But outside, Children First saw its potential — and soon, it will be a classroom for families in need of child care.
“We saw a prime opportunity to recreate the space, make it beautiful for children, families and staff and get kids off the wait [...]
JULY 12, SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – An abandoned modular building on Gore Court in Newtown will now provide early childhood education services to 16 at-risk infants and toddlers. It’s a partnership between Children First and the Sarasota Housing Authority. Private donors made this happen. “When we have those children in our own environment when they are [...]