Children First Blog
Read our most recent newsletter HERE!
February 1, 2023
We are proud to announce our slate of board leadership for 2023, and the addition of three new directors!
At our agency’s annual board reception on January 24, the Reverend Brock H. Leach was formally welcomed as Board Chair. Keith G. Johnson, VP at Truist Private Wealth, was welcomed as Vice Chair, Elizabeth [...]
October 20, 2022
As a supporter of Children First, you help us to provide high-quality early childhood education and family strengthening services to the most vulnerable children and families in our community.
We invite you to safeguard our life-changing programs for generations to come by joining our Legacy Society –Children First Forever – by notifying us of your [...]
October 12, 2022
Areli Gervacio, who now works as the receptionist at the Children First Orange Avenue campus, came here from Mexico in 2000, when she was only 15 years old. She and her sister joined her parents who had moved here four years earlier. The young mother of five children, now ranging in age from 2-18, has [...]
September 30, 2022
EDITED: October 3, 2022
September 30, 2022
Dear Children First Family,
We hope this communication finds you and your loved ones safe and well. In accordance with Sarasota County School District’s announcement today, Children First will continue to be closed through Monday, October 3 and until further notice so that we can support everyone directly impacted by Hurricane [...]
August 18, 2022
We are proud to announce the naming of our agency’s Teacher Resource Room for long-time supporters Katherine and Frank Martucci. We held a special ceremony with board members and staff in honor of their most recent gift of $150,000, directed by Frank in honor of Katherine’s board leadership and volunteerism.
The Martucci’s philanthropic spirits has them [...]
August 1, 2022
For the first time since March of 2020, we are excited to resume our annual and in-person pre-service staff training event at the State College of Florida Lakewood Ranch Campus!
Children First staff gathered for a full day of professional development and training on July 27. VP of Programs Kathleen Sullivan and VP of Philanthropy Jessica [...]
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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!
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!
"Alone we can do so little; together, we can do so much."
- Helen Keller![]()
We 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!
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!
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!