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First Things Firsts Seeks Local Input on Funding Priorities

jgm104
Credit jgm104
90 percent of a child's brain develops by age 5.

Firsts Things Firsts is seeking local input as it sets funding priorities for the next four years. KAWC's Lou Gum reports there is $21 million in funding on the line.

In 2006, Arizona voters passed an initiative committing funds from a tobacco tax to early childhood development and health programs for kids from birth to age 5.

From the beginning First Things First relied on local partnerships and regional councils to help set  priorities and create programs that will best serve their area. 

This week the organization is looking for input from Yuma County communities as it plans its funding priorities for the next four years.

On the line is 21 million dollars for organizations helping Yuma County's youngest residents.

KAWC's Lou Gum spoke with Community Outreach Coordinator for First Things First, Nena Garcia...

First Things First Town Halls are scheduled for:

Wednesday, August 16, 2017  10:00am to 12:30pm,  Wellton Library Branch, 28790 San Jose Ave., Wellton, AZ 85356

Thursday, August 17, 2017  9:00am to 11:30am, Somerton Cultural Center, 239 W. Canal St., Somerton, AZ 85350

Friday, August 18, 2017 9:00am to 11:30am, YRMC Corporate Center, Rooms Kokopeli, Saguaro, and Ocotillo, 399 W. 32nd St., Yuma, AZ 85364 

Lou grew up in Tucson and has a long family history in the state of Arizona. He began his public radio career in 1988 at KNAU in Flagstaff as a classical music DJ and has been hooked on public radio since, transitioning to news after trying his hand at several other careers in publishing and commercial broadcasting. Lou has a degree in American Studies from Arizona State University and was KAWC's Morning Edition host for two and half years before becoming News and Operations Director.