Children First In The Press
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 [...]
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
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
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
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 [...]
For Media Inquiries Contact:
Evan Ackerman
Communications CoordinatorPh: (941) 953-3877 ext. 1114
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Children First is proud to celebrate Children's Week! Our classrooms across the county created special artwork to hang in our state Capitol building. Each hand represents our commitment to Florida's children and youth.![]()
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As we like to say, "Many hands make light work of heavy lifting," and we are grateful for our community's support that keeps our mission moving forward each day!
Happy Fun Friday! ![]()
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On Read Across America Day, the children and staff at our Venice campus joined in on the fun with Dr. Seuss-themed activities. ![]()
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"Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!"
Please join us in congratulating Linda Watterworth, Director of Database and Grants Administration, on earning her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)! ![]()
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Linda was one of just six individuals from the state of Florida to earn this designation, joining over 7,700 professionals around the world who hold the CFRE designation.![]()
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Individuals granted the CFRE credential have met a series of standards set by CFRE International which include tenure in the profession, education, and demonstrated fundraising achievement for not-for-profit organizations. To learn more, please follow this link: www.cfre.org/news/march-2023-class-of-cfres-announced/![]()
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Congratulations, Linda! 🎉
Thank you to our 23rd Annual Fairytale Ball: Through the Looking Glass Platinum Sponsor PGT Innovations! We are deeply grateful for your support of our children, families, and mission.
Thank you to the New Sarasotans, a group of volunteers consisting of newcomers to the Sarasota/Manatee area, for packaging educational care kits for our children! Each kits contains new books and pajamas to be used at home.