Newsletter – May 2025

We are beyond proud of Josh Munoz, Associate Director of Public Policy at the First Place Global Leadership Institute, for being selected one of 30 2025 Flinn-Brown Fellows. He joins an astute group of individuals chosen for their leadership potential in “working across differences to shape Arizona’s future,” according to the Flinn Foundation announcement. We know Josh’s leadership skills, professional experience and commitment to helping others will bolster this effort.

First Place AZ invited to Mayor Gallego’s 2025 State of the City event.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego continues leading our great city, building promising futures and changing lives for all residents—including those with disabilities. We were proud to be among her guests at the annual State of the City address. We value the many ways First Place AZ is embedded in the city’s commitment to housing and healthcare that’s affordable and accessible, along with a strong economy fueled by a skilled, committed workforce like the one we’re developing through Be Open + Be Ready℠. Thank you, Mayor Gallego, for your ongoing efforts to keep Phoenix “the most autism-friendly city in the world” (PBS NewsHour)—and a city for everyone!

Innovation 27 groundbreaking proclaims City of Phoenix commitment to jobs.

First Place AZ was present for the May groundbreaking of Innovation 27, the new $43.5 million City of Phoenix project creating a workforce training and education center on a long-vacant plot of land at 27th Avenue and I-17. (Remember the Kmart of old on that spot? Built in the 70s and closed in 2018.) We’re thrilled to have a place at the table as Mayor Kate Gallego and her staff work diligently on the potential of such a visionary concept to revitalize Phoenix communities—and help jobseekers of all ages and abilities with a first and/or new career path.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and First Place AZ focus on mental health.

Since 1949, May has been observed as Mental Health Awareness Month in the U.S. Thanks to a mental health grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, First Place–Phoenix is able to prioritize mental health—12 months a year. The grant funds activities from yoga and tai chi to equine therapy and art workshops. It makes us feel good just thinking about it!

Residents and community life: Just try to keep up!

Staying fit is all part of the lifestyle here—and Wellness Specialist Rebecca Bauer knows how to make it fun and motivating. During Adventure Club Workouts, she helps residents work together to set, track and meet their goals while they build community—muscles and stamina, too!

Paint the Town guides groups through fun art activities—and was back recently for a “paint the tote bag” project with residents in our amazing on-site Space to Create. Everyone tried their hand at painting a pineapple on a canvas bag using a colorful palette. The results? A perfect reflection of creative imaginations—and some pretty peachy pineapples!

Joey’s Grill—the cool, casual outdoor party spot at First Place–Phoenix—was hopping on a recent sunny afternoon. Residents and staff gathered to cook pre-summer favorites, play games, and just chill and chat.

National Mobility Awareness Month: perfect timing to spotlight Thunderbirds Charities’ generosity.

May has special meaning for Kayla, who recently shared how she benefits firsthand from property upgrades made possible by a recent $50,000 grant from longtime First Place AZ champion Thunderbirds Charities. Upgrades helping First Place–Phoenix residents on their paths to more independent living include new automatic door openers—valued additions that serve as inclusive symbols encouraging an understanding of accessibility needs so that, as Kayla tells us, “everyone can move through the world with ease and respect.”

Arizona autism specialty license plate—get yours today!

This amazing license plate is looking for a home on your car! Thanks to continued collaboration between First Place AZ and Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), an initial cost and annual renewal fee of $25 per plate results in a one-time donation of $17 that directly benefits both nonprofits. Your support helps drive—literally—critical programs and services for individuals with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities. Order yours here!