First Place Global Symposium #13 a Lucky Number
Thank you for supporting our 13th First Place Global Symposium! The comprehensive and compelling lineup of experienced, knowledgeable presenters and panelists made this year’s symposium compelling and memorable.
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Enjoy this short video capturing the spirit of three productive days focused on projects underway and future plans.
Participation by and positive feedback from so many inspiring local, national and international leaders is a testament to the continued interest in fueling a new generation of housing, healthcare, employment and community options for people with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities. Together, we can—and will—change the world!
In First Place AZ Founder & President/CEO Denise D. Resnik’s post-symposium blog, she acknowledges that, as a truly global collaboration, our work as community builders is anything but linear—it’s multidimensional!
Happy Halloween from First Place!
First Place–Phoenix staff got super creative with their Halloween costume this year, thanks to Lexie Barraza, Director of Community Life & Wellness. Her goal for the construction theme? To show how everyone works together to build a community, workforce and network of leaders all paving the way for inclusive housing, healthcare, employment—and so much more.
Residents and staff enjoyed some spooky good fun and games during a Halloween favorite: Boo Bingo! The trick was to match words—and the treat was a chance to win candy. The competition was scary!
There may not be frost on the pumpkins, but there’s no shortage of paint and decoupage! Residents gathered in the Space to Create to decorate mini pumpkins. It’s a season for creativity—and these fall colors are spectacular!
Join Us on a (New) Virtual Tour of First Place–Phoenix!
What’s life like for residents at First Place–Phoenix? Check out our newest video that gives you an inside look at this community of pride, purpose and endless possibilities®.
Mark Your Calendar for November Discover Day
During Discover Day, attendees will learn about the First Place Transition Academy, a two-year, residential life skills program with clinical services provided by the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) and designed for autistic adults ages 18 and older to help them build crucial independent living and career-readiness skills. Attendees can also hear more about the comprehensive, 32-course Learn4Independence® curriculum, tour the state-of-the-art First Place–Phoenix property and get more information about clinical sessions with SARRC. Register here for the event on Thursday, Nov. 7 from 4 to 5 p.m. (MST). Additional dates for in person and online Discover Days are available.
News from the First Place Global Leadership Institute
Last month we introduced you to the Columbia Housing Market Analysis. This month, check out Associate Director of Applied Research Toyosi Adesoye as she enthusiastically unpacks the newest edition, hot off the press!
Members of the First Place Global Leadership Institute participated in a recent Day of Learning, the series hosted by the Arizona Autism Coalition and attended by more than 160 families and professionals. The team connected with attendees, Chief Impact Officer Maureen Casey presented on healthcare and Associate Director of Applied Research Toyosi Adesoye shared employment updates. We look forward to future events and the opportunity to forge more connections with the community!
NDEAM Employment Video Series Shoutout
October is National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)—and the First Place Global Leadership Institute’s Be Open + Be Ready℠ employment readiness program is busy working with jobseekers, job coaches and employers to create a more neuro-inclusive workforce.
Heartfelt thanks and a big shoutout to the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council for its support. Congratulations, Ava, Jeremiah, Kayla and Chris, on everything you’ve accomplished on your path to more independent living!
Get ready for two new Be Ready Jobseeker online classes starting Tuesday, Nov. 5 and 26. Register today!
Residents in the Spotlight for 2nd Annual First Place Variety Show!
The talents of various residents took center stage during the second annual First Place Variety Show. After a month of honing their acts with the guidance of ASU Design & Arts Corps graduate student and volunteer director Rachel Hutzenbiler, First Place–Phoenix residents stepped into the spotlight for an evening of dancing, singing, laughing and cheering. The encore? Proceeds from ticket sales will help fund a second performance of our spring 2025 play. Take a bow, all!
First Place Among Many on SARRC’s YES Day!
First Place–Phoenix, the First Place Global Leadership Institute and Vote the Spectrum were all part of the festivities at the fourth annual YES Day on Oct. 27 at Tempe Town Lake. YES Day Walk for Autism, held by Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), is always an exciting event for First Place—and this year was no exception! Our teams were busy making valuable connections with families, aligned organizations and community leaders. It was a day for discussing housing, healthcare, public policy, employment and civic engagement—and making sure no one went home without the information they need or a Vote the Spectrum sticker in hand!
2024 Global Citizen Award Goes to… Denise D. Resnik!
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego honored First Place AZ Founder & President/CEO Denise D. Resnik this month with the Global Citizen Award during The Mayor’s International hosted by Phoenix Sister Cities. The annual event took place on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix.
“Denise is improving the quality of life for countless numbers of people on the autism spectrum here in Phoenix and worldwide,” said Mayor Gallego. “Her efforts expand resources for neurodiverse individuals, contribute to research, improve community understanding and acceptance, and deliver a path toward independence and attaining careers.”
The Global Citizen Award recognizes an outstanding individual who demonstrates tireless and selfless commitment to our community—and inspires us all to take action and do more.
Summer might be hanging on (too long!) in the Valley, but the annual overnight trip to beautiful Camp Civitan took residents and staff back into the cool mountain air and lush green pine forest of Northern Arizona. The visit included a mosaic art project, mini golf, wild inner-tube rides (on land!), some views of black bears (from a safe distance!) and general awesome exploring. They also enjoy rib-sticking camp grub (including s’mores!)—and the chance to bring blankets and sweatshirts for chilly evening activities. You can be sure plans are already in motion for next year’s outing.
Creighton med students returned to the First Place–Phoenix culinary teaching kitchen to make breakfast quiches. Residents got busy whisking, chopping and sautéing fresh, healthy ingredients (OK, there was bacon, but hey, it’s breakfast!) before popping the cheese-topped quiches in the oven. It was a hit with everyone–and there was enough for seconds.