First Place: Opening Up - First "Family Fun Day" a Big Success!

First “Family Fun Day” a Big Hit!
Sign Up for May 18 Event

First Place–Phoenix residents and their family members recently gathered with staff on a beautiful spring afternoon for the very first Family Fun Day. Everyone enjoyed the chance to relax, visit, reflect, play some games and chow down on delicious BBQ fare. Plenty of these special dates are planned for the future to bring families together as we all continue to build a culture of community at First Place.

Interested in becoming a “Firstie?” A special day for prospective families is planned for Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join us then to learn more about the First Place Apartments and Transition Academy independent living skills program. Enrollment is currently underway for the summer program starting in July.

Global Leadership Institute
Spring Symposium is April 24–26

There are only two more days to register for First Place AZ’s semiannual First Place Global Leadership Institute symposium scheduled for April 24–26. Experience the supportive Greater Phoenix community, recognized as “the most autism-friendly city in the world” by PBS NewsHour, during this two-day event. Pioneering organizations are gathering with families to share information and learn about taking the next steps in their neighborhoods and communities—together. Topics include marketing and communications, promoting choice and building a marketplace. An overview of the First Place Transition Academy program and guest speakers, including Lauri Tanner, Executive Director of Treasure House—a local supportive community for adults with autism—are also on the agenda. We hope you can join us for this important semiannual event!

Lighting It Up Blue!

First Place–Phoenix shined brightly blue in support of World Autism Day’s “Light It Up Blue” for Autism Awareness Month. The goal of the annual event is to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism in our communities, across the nation and around the world.

Another Transition Academy Graduation Nears

Participants in the First Place Transition Academy are working hard to successfully complete the two-year Learn4Independence® life skills program. The planning of festivities will start soon, especially with graduation for second year participants. Good luck to everyone as they focus on the finish line!

Enrollment is in progress for the new freshman class starting in July. Learn more about enrollment criteria and whether the Transition Academy program is a good fit for you. Feel free to contact us with any questions. In the meantime, enjoy our latest video about the Transition Academy that includes first hand feedback from Joseph, who is about to complete his first year.

First Place–Phoenix Welcomes
New Executive Director

We’re happy to announce that Nancy Ottman has joined the First Place–Phoenix team as the new executive director. Nancy has a background in health and wellness and resort operations, as well as a proven track record at large, complex organizations—making her the right person to lead our mixed-use property and multidisciplinary team.

Nancy is an accomplished athlete, having completed the IRONMAN Triathlon and over 70 marathons. Welcome, Nancy!

Special Recognition for
Denise Resnik & First Place

As First Place AZ’s tireless champion, Denise appears on lots of different radars around the community. Some recent noteworthy recognition includes two prestigious awards: ASU’s 2019 Founders’ Day Award for Alumni Achievement for “exemplifying the pioneering and innovative spirit of ASU’s founders”; and Sources for Design Icon in the “project” category for First Place–Phoenix. Denise and five other talented Valley women were recently honored by Sources for Design digital design magazine for architects, interior designers, builders and landscape architects. Congrats, Denise!

First “Family Fun Day” a Big Hit! Sign Up for May 18 Event

Global Leadership Institute Spring Symposium is April 24–26