Who can forget prom night? It’s a time to dress up, dance, celebrate with friends and peers—and feel special. But what if you never had that chance? Enter the Tim Tebow Foundation and the fifth year of his “Night to Shine” offering an unforgettable prom experience for members of special populations ages 14 and older. First Place–Phoenix residents enjoyed the chance to participate at Highlands Church in Scottsdale after staff and several amazing volunteers helped residents look their best. Everyone shared laughs and posed for pics before heading out for a magical evening, including walking the red carpet, dancing, karaoke and even being crowned Prom Queens and Kings! Night to Shine is an international celebration for 100,000 guests made possible by 200,000 volunteers at 655 churches around the world.
You’re Invited to “Discover First Place–Phoenix” on Saturday, March 7
Take a tour of our state-of-the-art, four-story property. Meet residents and staff. Explore the First Place Apartments. Learn about the First Place Transition Academy. And explore our supportive, inclusive community that adults ages 18 and older call home and there they make friends, enjoy independent living—and have fun! We’re filling up fast, so RSVP to hold your spot. Hope to see you there!
First Place and GPEC Promote Community Diversity & Inclusion
First Place–Phoenix recently welcomed Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) board members and staff for a tour and to hear firsthand from Founder/CEO Denise Resnik about our innovative residential community. “As leaders of GPEC and in our region, it is important to be educated on topics that make Greater Phoenix unique and competitive,” said Chris Camacho, GPEC CEO and president. The goal of the visit was to gain a greater understanding of the positive impact of autism and neurodiverse populations on our communities, especially in the area of employment. First Place is proud to be a leader in what PBS NewsHour called “the most autism-friendly city in the world.”
Spring Symposium Coming Soon!
Please join us in Phoenix, Arizona for the spring First Place Global Leadership Institute Symposium from April 22 to 24. This semiannual event is sponsored by First Place’s Center for Real Estate & Community Development. Topics on a packed agenda range from property design goals and guidelines to education, training and employment. Bring your vision—and questions—as we work together to move the needle toward more supportive and sustainable housing solutions for those we serve. And feel free to share this invitation with others!
Friends of First Place—from Coast to Coast!
Donna and Ron Liebowitz, friends of First Place–Phoenix and parents of resident Jenny, recently hosted a fundraiser in their New Jersey community to benefit the new First Place Artists Lounge. The special gathering, including a silent auction of prized memorabilia, was a huge success and makes the design and build-out of the Artists Lounge possible, along with other creative expressions. We are very grateful to Donna and Ron for so passionately leading the charge and extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated. We look forward to sharing our progress as the lounge takes shape!