Newsletter – April 2026

Elements of a more accessible world—our 2025 annual report.

A healthy, independent life requires essential elements. For adults with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), those include housing, healthcare, employment, education and social connection.

In the First Place AZ 2025 annual report—just published this month—you’ll see how our team, our collaborators and our supporters like you are shaping a more accessible, welcoming, opportunity-filled world so people of all abilities can live the life they deserve.

Please take a moment to read about another busy, productive and impactful year assembling the elements helping guide the way for the journey ahead.

Fifth annual stage event offers mystery, mischief—and lots of laughs.

The smashing success of the fifth annual First Place–Phoenix stage performance was no mystery to family, friends and fans in the audience. Residents brought “How to Get Away with a Murder Mystery” by Don Zolidis to the stage with comedic, colorful flair that elicited lots of laughs throughout and much-deserved avid applause at the end. Always a favorite part of the evening for all: waiting outside Phoenix Center for the Arts to hail the actors as they descend the stairs with pride—none of which would be possible without the longtime support of Arizona Commission on the Arts!

K2 Fitness AND Fashion!

Residents might have had smiles on their faces, but they were serious about their fitness during a recent workout at Results Only Fitness. More smiles were saved for the annual K2 Adventures Foundation Summer in the City Luncheon and Fashion Show, where residents showed their poise and pride as they paraded down the runway.

Topping off the event was First Place resident Whitney, who delivered a beautiful speech that spoke to every heart in the room. Thank you, K2 Adventures Foundation, for your ongoing support—you’ve proven that compassion never goes out of fashion!

Insights from a tireless, valuable volunteer.

Longtime First Place–Phoenix volunteer Marla Mayer shares why she and her loyal sidekick Oscar enjoy spending so much time with residents. Oscar agrees that it’s a mutually beneficial relationship!

Active April Community Life: Last ride, Earth Day connection & culinary surprises.

It was the last ride of the season at Hunkapi Farms and you can see all that hard work has paid off—for First Place–Phoenix residents and their trusty steeds. Both look quite confident and comfortable! Thank you, Hunkapi Farms, for your guidance and kindness. We can’t wait to see you—and the horses—in the fall!

Earth Day reminds us of our connection to our precious planet. A recent visit to the Desert Botanical Garden gave First Place–Phoenix residents an opportunity to reflect on that—surrounded by flora, fauna and friends!

A healthy, colorful meal was on Chef Titina’s menu for her latest visit to First Place–Phoenix. Residents got down to chopping and sautéing before sitting down to enjoy a delicious meal, with baked salmon the main attraction. Chef Titina is always full of culinary surprises—bet you’ve never tasted a watermelon radish!

First Place Transition Academy Discover Day!

The Transition Academy prepares adults with autism for a life they can call their own by building independent living and career-readiness skills—in an environment offering structure, support and socialization. Participants experience daily life among friends at First Place–Phoenix and learning through the Learn4Independence® curriculum taught by Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) at GateWay Community College. Join a Zoom or in-person session in May to discover more!

Advocacy & acceptance at First Place—in April and year-round.

The letter “A” was prominent in April! World Autism Month, kicked off by World Autism Day on April 2, encourages acceptance and advocacy in support of individuals on the spectrum, funds critical research and inspires lasting change.

2026 Profound Autism Summit: “A national gathering with a singular focus.”

Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO of First Place AZ/First Place Global and Josh Munoz, Associate Director of Public Policy at First Place Global, have been part of a powerful convergence of leaders, advocates and families from all over the world at the Profound Autism Summit in Boston. Among the many connections with crucial collaborators are Ron Oberleitner, neurodevelopmental health executive; Diana Diaz-Harrison, National Autism Coordinator; Dr. Nicole Kleinstreuer, Deputy Director, National Institutes of Health; Judith Ursitti, Co-Founder and President of Profound Autism Alliance; Maura Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer, The Arc of Massachusetts; Debra Caudy, President and Founder of 29 Acres; and Amy Gravino, autism sexuality advocate.

Policy and progress—the latest data.

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Center for Public Policy at First Place Global continues to seek information and disseminate data in pursuit of meaningful change. The latest efforts resulted in four powerful policy briefs focused on a future with housing that is more accessible, affordable and equitable.