Children First In The Press

October 12, 2022

Areli’s Journey

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

Hurricane Ian Update: 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 [...]
March 18, 2021

Herald-Tribune: Children First announces $1 million plus matching gift challenge for Sarasota County

March 18, 2021 Children First is proud to announce The Challenge for Changing Lives, a $1,060,000 matching gift challenge led by Children First’s 60th Anniversary Diamond Circle members. The Diamond Circle is a dedicated group of extraordinary supporters leading the charge in advancing the mission of strengthening children and families together. Their goal is to [...]
March 15, 2021

Tampa Bay Newswire: Children First Announces 60th Anniversary Co-Chairs and Committee

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 [...]
February 25, 2021

WEDU PBS: Be More Unstoppable

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 [...]
February 1, 2021

SRQ Magazine: Tribute to Business on the Creative Coast

February 1, 2021 In 1961, the Junior League of Sarasota, formerly the Junior Welfare League of Sarasota, founded the Sarasota Day Nursery with a mission to prepare children from low-income families for Kindergarten. Their work changed lives and built a strong foundation, and in 1994 the agency became Sarasota County’s exclusive provider of Head Start [...]