Happy Thanksgiving from First Place!
First Place Included in AZ Funding List
We’re thrilled to be included this month in the $40+ million State Fiscal Recovery Fund announcement by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, Arizona Dept. of Housing Director Tom Simplot and Arizona Democratic legislative leaders on allocations advancing housing in our state that’s affordable, accessible and available. First Place AZ is grateful to be part of such an esteemed group of Arizona nonprofits working tirelessly to reverse troubling, persistent trends.
Thank you to our leaders and collaborating nonprofits like Native American Connections, FSL and Home Matters to Arizona (HMA) for the ongoing and much appreciated mentoring and collaboration. This funding is a collective endorsement of the many commendable causes represented by the list of recipients First Place is proud to join, advocating for and building housing that is affordable, accessible and available.
Rolling Up Our Sleeves (Literally!) with Creighton Partners
Our health and wellness partners at Creighton University Health Sciences – Phoenix recently offered a clinic at First Place–Phoenix reminding and encouraging residents, Transition Academy students and staff to get their flu shot. The convenient, on-site clinic gave everyone the opportunity to get their shot in a familiar setting with additional support from staff and peers to ease any worries.
New “Staff Spotlight” Series
Enjoy our new series sharing what drives various dedicated First Place staff members on the job each and every day. Our first spotlights includes finance and planning coordinator Mitch Barr, applied research and public policy director Maureen Casey, director of support coordinator Jessica Luna and human resource manager Sarah Marchese.
Kindness Week Activities
In honor of Kindness Week, First Place–Phoenix residents and Transition Academy students enjoyed volunteering with one of our newer supportive community partners, Child Crisis Arizona. Participants got together to fill bags with food and beverages to help this invaluable, longtime (40+ years!) Valley nonprofit “Pack It Up” to provide Valley children in need with their next meal. What a beautiful, meaningful way to Kind It Forward®!
Get the 411 with First Place’s Fall Brief
First Place AZ’s 2021 Fall Brief highlights the progress of many projects and activities within our community and beyond, including the First Place Global Leadership Institute’s 10th Symposium, health and wellness plans with Dignity Health and Creighton University, and activities through our ongoing Kind It Forward® campaign. We hope you enjoy perusing the brief, along with several links to videos, photos and articles that capture the vibrance, energy and fun of the First Place community—and the significant impact of our ongoing work in housing, education, healthcare and public policy.
2021 Arizona Tax Credit—It’s Not Too Early!
Arizona residents can receive a dollar-for-dollar credit with the Arizona tax credit program for donations made to First Place AZ, a qualifying charitable organization (QCO). Individual filers can claim up to $400 per year; married couples can claim up to $800 per year. Tax credits are based on the total donation amount for the year. You can donate here—and thank you for including First Place in your 2021 giving!
Did Someone Say “Brunch?”
First Place–Phoenix residents and Transition Academy students recently welcomed extra-helpful special guests for Sunday Brunch. Volunteers joined participants in making a delicious bruschetta breakfast board. We’re excited to gradually start welcoming volunteers back to First Place!
Acting—and Feeling—Her Age
In a special “birthday blog,” First Place AZ Founder and President/CEO Denise D. Resnik reflects on acting—and feeling—her age on her recent November birthday. Find out if she would trade it for any other… (Spoiler alert: She wouldn’t!)