New Health Spot Clinic at First Place Welcomes Dr. Kim
After years of planning, First Place–Phoenix is pleased to announce the opening of the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Health Spot. The convenience of the on-site Health Spot clinic will be a great asset to our students and residents as they learn to manage their healthcare on the path to more successful independent living. The Health Spot is also the foundational element of First Place’s 2021 focus on health and wellness.
Residents and their families recently met Dr. Caroline Kim Kupfer of Dignity Health, who will serve as the Health Spot’s lead physician. As a well-respected internist focused on special populations and transition medicine, she will oversee the Health Spot and interface with participants and staff. The meet and greet in person and via Zoom offered everyone the chance to ask Dr. Kim pertinent questions helping them better understand Health Spot operations and informing the ambitious path for how we ensure a diagnosis of autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury and related disorders does not stand in the way of equitable, exceptional healthcare—everywhere.
Join Virtual and On-Site Tours of First Place–Phoenix
Applications are available for the fall 2021 First Place Transition Academy, a two-year residential program focused on helping participants build independent living and career-readiness skills. Leasing is ongoing.
We’ve lined up virtual tours of the First Place–Phoenix Apartments to fit any schedule throughout February. Join us for a firsthand look at this unique, modern property and the many supports and amenities offered to residents with autism and other neurodiversities seeking opportunities for more independent living in a connected, supportive community. Reserve your spot for a tour and Q&A session today—space is limited! firstplaceaz.org/events
For an on-site visit, mark your calendars for Discover Days on Feb. 27 and March 20 (both Saturdays). Details coming soon!
Results Only Fitness Helping Residents—with Results!
Thanks to our friends at Results Only Fitness, several residents have “jumped” into 2021 and hit the ground running with healthy new year’s resolutions! We’re thrilled to welcome Bobby and Kelly back for some physically distanced weekly fitness and encouragement that keep participants moving and focused on good health. This program is made possible by our good friends at the K2 Adventures Foundation. Everyone is excited to start 2021 off on the right (and left) foot!
ULI Arizona WLI Supports Mentoring
The Urban Land Institute Arizona’s Women’s Leadership Institute recently gathered via Zoom for National Mentoring Month to share experiences as mentors. Denise Resnik, founder & president/CEO of First Place® AZ, served as keynote speaker for the event, encouraging the current and next generation of real estate leaders to respond to the demand for innovative housing and community options. The Arizona Chapter of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and Terwilliger Center for Housing/ULI Americas have played significant roles for decades in the development of First Place–Phoenix. ULI has also been part of two major studies in collaboration Arizona State University, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), the Autism Housing Network and First Place: Opening Doors: A Discussion of Residential Options for Adults Living with Autism and Related Disorders (2009) and A Place in the World: Fueling Housing and Community Options for Adults with Autism and Other Neurodiversities (2020).
New Report on Autism and Healthcare
The 2020 National Autism Indicators Report: Health and Health Care finds that children and adults with autism spectrum disorder have many complex healthcare needs but often limited access to comprehensive care. The study recognizes that dealing with more than one condition complicates healthcare needs, often requiring multiple medications, treatments and service providers. It also recognizes more limited access to services following high school, making the case for what needs to be done for better life course outcomes in communities everywhere. For other key findings from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University in Philadelphia, access the report here.