Blog

2 days ago

The end-of-year celebrations continue!Our North Port campus held a special ceremony for all of the children who have completed our Head Start program and will be moving on to kindergarten in the fall.Parents enjoyed three songs prepared by the K-Risers, and everyone took part in the fun with visitors from Peace River K9 Search and Rescue Association Inc., The City of North Port - Government, Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, and Iguanaland! Congratulations, K-Risers! ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago

Thank you to our partners at Suncoast Charities for Children! The 25th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival, held this past February at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, raised a net revenue of $315,000 for Suncoast Charities.At last night's Thunder by the Bay Appreciation party, Suncoast Charities awarded grants to six nonprofit partners, including Children First.Funding will support new adjustable tables and chairs for preschool classrooms and assistance packages for at-risk children needing shoes, dental hygiene supplies, and food vouchers.Thank you for your commitment to our children, families, and mission! ... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago

"Alone we can do so little; together, we can do so much." - Helen KellerWe had a great time celebrating our volunteers at our Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast! Children First volunteers were recognized by our Board of Directors and Leadership Team for the mighty impact they make for our agency. In 2022, our volunteers collectively worked 17 hours per day across our multiple campuses.This event was held at our Dr. Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center, where attendees heard from classroom volunteer and past Board Chair Katherine Martucci on the value of giving back to such an incredible mission. Children from our Purple Crayon classroom held a special performance of songs like Frère Jacques and Bingo. We also recognized our partners at PGT Innovations for their Brighter Futures named opportunity of our Butterflies infant classroom. Thank you to our amazing volunteers! ... See MoreSee Less

5 days ago

Congratulations to Alyssa Simons, Associate Director of Donor Relations, on graduating from the Greater Sarasota Chamber 2022 Adult Leadership Class! This nine-month program was designed to enhance awareness of the community and its needs by examining how leadership in the historical, geographical, educational, economic, governmental and cultural segments work together to perpetuate and advance the Sarasota County community. During the program, Alyssa and her class completed a special project to transform the backyard at a foster home for Safe Children Coalition, including a new state of the art basketball court, refurbished lanai and patio furniture, a new fence, mural, yard work, and more. We are grateful for Alyssa's dedication to our children, families, and community! ... See MoreSee Less

5 days ago

Calling all Kindergarten-Risers! 🥳🎓🎒Our Region A staff held a special celebration for the children who have completed our Head Start program and are heading to kindergarten this fall. We were joined by Sarasota County Emergency Services, the Oriole Bird of the Baltimore Orioles, and volunteers who face painted, handed out snacks, and gave out backpacks sponsored by TheZenith. Congratulations, K-Risers! ... See MoreSee Less