Newsletter – October 2025

2025 First Place Global Symposium makes history—until next year!

An afternoon of terrific tours; a memorable meet-and-greet; a packed, relevant agenda with prominent experts; a culminating evening of lovely music with great food and company as everyone enjoyed the “For You & Me” theme inspired by Woody Guthrie. It all converged to make for an unforgettable, highly productive symposium that left attendees sharing superlatives and leaving with a genuine sense of community, commitment and motivation to keep the conversations going on the path to action and outcomes. Enjoy this brief video recap of the lively, busy three-day event—and mark your calendars for another gathering in beautiful Phoenix October 14–16, 2026!

First Place AZ honored at Phoenix Mayor’s 2025 Disability Awards and Recognition Event (D.A.R.E.).

At the recent Disability Awards and Recognition Event (D.A.R.E.) presented by the Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues and the Equal Opportunity Department, First Place AZ was proud to receive the Outstanding Non-Profit Award. The greatest honor was to be in the company of so many compassionate, generous organizations and individuals—many of whom also received awards. In her speech, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego affirmed the city’s commitment to be the most accessible city in America. Thank you to everyone helping make that a reality!

Linda M. Herold Lifetime Achievement Award

When In Business Magazine honored 15 leaders from different segments of Arizona’s economy at the recent 2025 Women of Achievement luncheon, our very own Denise D. Resnik received special recognition with the Linda M. Herold Lifetime Achievement Award. After more than 30 years dedicated to making this a better world for people with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities, it was a proud moment for Denise’s family and friends, First Place AZ, SARRC and everyone who has worked with her on this journey. Congratulations, Denise—as you always tell us, onward!

A Place in the World® (3rd Ed.) welcomed—again!

When the First Place Global Leadership Institute and Madison House Autism Foundation first published A Place in the World® (APITW) in 2020, we provided the first-ever resource aimed at meeting housing and community needs and preferences of adults with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities. With the 2025 publishing of the third edition, APITW’s universal language has been expanded and underscores the importance of broader community solutions. Download the updated report to learn more about how APITW further defines market segments, best practices and guiding principles.

The latest blog by Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO of First Place AZ and Desiree Kameka Galloway, Director of the Autism Housing Network reveals that, for the first time, APITW includes profound autism and delves deeper into its associated complex medical needs. Profound autism belongs in every housing and healthcare conversation!

Autism Spectrum News features three First Place Global articles.

The First Place Global Leadership Institute is well represented in the fall 2025 issue of Autism Spectrum News. Check out articles addressing topics that include the latest on employment opportunities for adults with autism and/or intellectual/ developmental disabilities, the much-anticipated third edition of A Place in the World® and valuable data from housing market analyses—currently nine with several more underway across the country.

Another Be Ready® graduation!

The third cohort of the Be Ready® workforce/workplace development initiative recently enjoyed a well-deserved graduation ceremony after many weeks of hard work and collaboration. Cohort #3 brings the total number of graduates to date to 28—with more to come! This growing innovative program was developed by First Place to bridge the gap between employers seeking talented workers and neurodiverse individuals ready for meaningful employment. Kudos, grads—and best of luck on your employment journeys!

It was a treat to learn new creative tricks!

Nothing screams “Hall🎃ween!” like pumpkin painting. Nicole Newman of longtime First Place champion K2 Adventures Foundation was back this month to lead residents through a fun seasonal craft—with some scary-good results!

Interpreting “home” through art.

“Feeling at home” took on special meaning recently when Linda J. Walder, founder and executive director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation for Adult Autism, stopped by First Place–Phoenix for an exceptionally expressive art project. Linda, her associate Vicki Gentempo Ofmani and residents explored together what home feels like—in pictures and words.

UNO is ONE popular game at First Place–Phoenix! Residents gathered for a recent tournament—cheering each other on, shedding their cards and waiting to see who would be the ONE and only UNO champion.

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, First Place–Phoenix residents enjoyed an afternoon of friends, family and authentic flavors. Together with Employment Administration Coordinator Marcy Laguna and her family, they created a tasty lunch and some lasting memories.

Of the 365 days each year, World Mental Health Day feels especially important. Created by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, the goal is to raise awareness of and support for mental health issues. Just by talking about it, we can help reduce stigma—a big step toward making mental healthcare a reality worldwide.

YES DAY! Walk for Autism a walk in the park!

An energized and united autism community came together for Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center’s (SARRC) 5th annual YES DAY! Walk for  Autism® at Tempe Beach Park. First Place AZ was proud to be among the record number of organizations on hand to connect with families, show support and say “YES!” to innovative housing, healthcare, education and employment solutions. Way to go, SARRC, on another powerful, motivating YES Day!