A good word (or two) from First Place parents. We value parent perspectives on their adult family members’ experiences living more independently at First Place–Phoenix. Their valuable insights and feedback—together with that of all residents—allows us to stay on track. For heart-warming moments, give a listen to Marc’s mom Judy and Julia’s mom Paula
We value parent perspectives on their adult family members’ experiences living more independently at First Place–Phoenix. Their valuable insights and feedback—together with that of all residents—allows us to stay on track. For heart-warming moments, give a listen to Marc’s mom Judy and Julia’s mom Paula.
In-person Be Ready sessions coming up soon.
Be Ready℠ employment readiness program prepares you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to get hired and succeed in the workplace. The free program provides:
Assessment: Interests, skills, training and potential challenges are determined through self-assessment tools and interviews.
Preparation: Based on assessed job readiness, upskill and new skills training is provided through curricula and one-one-one support and connect with wrap around services.
The LEGO Lounge always connects with residents—and what better excuse than International LEGO Day to gather for a quick building competition? The finished products portrayed everyone’s high level of creativity.
Each year, various residents climb to new heights (actually, the fourth floor of First Place–Phoenix and back down) as participants in the annual, ongoing Stair Challenge. The count is in! David stepped up to claim the title of most flights in 2024: 350! That’s the equivalent of scaling 12,633-foot-high Humphrey’s Peak of Flagstaff’s San Francisco Peaks—the highest point in Arizona! Kudos, David…and keep it up, up, UP!
Chef Titina’s monthly Clever Cooking series always attracts a hungry crowd of residents to the First Place–Phoenix culinary teaching kitchen. This month’s healthy, handmade and hands-on recipes? Chicken egg rolls (baked, not fried) with several savory sauces—and miso soup! Some say that, for the new year, the rolls symbolize wealth and prosperity because they resemble gold bars. Here’s to egg rolls…fun to make—and rich in taste!
Residents always enjoy “saddling up” and heading to Hunkapi Farms in North Scottsdale to recreate—and reflect. There’s nothing like the powerful presence of these giant but gentle animals to take Hunkapi’s motto to heart: Fear less and love more. The benefits of the bonding-through-trust experience with horses can also cross over to everyday life; after all, the name hunkapi from the Lakota Native American tribe means “we are all related.” Many thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona funding for making these outings possible!
This month’s International Education Day reminded us that a world of possibilities revolves around education. The First Place Transition Academy focuses on lifting up adults with autism and guiding them to go out into the world and make it their own. Learn more about this structured program designed for adults with autism that helps build crucial independent living and career-readiness skills.
Global Leadership Institute news: Rochester Housing Market Analysis is the newest.
Our efforts to identify housing and support needs/preferences of adults with A/I/DD reached another milestone with the publication of the Rochester Housing Market Analysis—the seventh in this defining series! Housing market analyses are led by the First Place Global Leadership Institute’s Make Waves Center, along with tireless collaborative partners in each market. AutismUp, an amazing organization that provides top-tier autism support programs and services, took the lead on the report in Greater Rochester and surrounding regions. Learn more about launching a report in your city or region.
Kick off 2025 with purpose by using your tax credit to transform lives!
You have the chance to transform lives—and reduce your Arizona state tax liability. Donate to First Place AZ to take advantage of the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit and support innovative programs that help adults with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities (A/I/DD) flourish.
Arizona’s Charitable Tax Credit lets you give to qualifying nonprofits like First Place AZ—and gives you a dollar-for-dollar credit on your state taxes.
First Place AZ Tax Credit Number: 22163
First Place AZ empowers adults with A/I/DD to lead more independent and fulfilling lives—and your support makes it all possible. Help us continue helping adults with A/I/DD build essential life skills so they can flourish at home, at work and among friends.
Your generosity fosters inclusive communities where individuals with A/I/DD feel valued, respected and connected—and doors open to brighter futures.
