By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO, First Place AZ
The 2025 Disability Awards and Recognition Event (D.A.R.E.), recently presented by the Phoenix Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues (MCDI) and the Equal Opportunity Department, delivered powerful sources of encouragement, reflection and memories, all choreographed by the dynamic MCDI board chair and fellow mother on a mission, Nicole Anderson. Congratulations to each of this year’s recipients—and thank you for recognizing First Place AZ as Non-Profit of the Year.
The experience was another reminder of why I LOVE my city and always have, exponentially building my appreciation for how it has grown along with my family and me.
The event at the Burton Barr Central Library, on formerly two-lane Central Avenue, brought back a wave of memories for me as a child, teen and young professional. It’s where I checked out my first book long before it was a five-story building. Just north is where I attended Central High School (go Bobcats!) and, in between, where I landed my first job at Del E. Webb Corporation, the granddaddy of senior housing.
Decades later, Phoenix continues to give me reasons to be proud and love it even more for how it supports and includes individuals from all generations, with all abilities and from all backgrounds. This is underscored by our flagship property First Place–Phoenix—strategically built in the heart of midtown—so residents could access a range of services, retail, restaurants and employment opportunities.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego for her tireless leadership and advocacy in ensuring Phoenix remains “the most autism-friendly city in the world” and accessible to the one in three residents who will live with a disability in their lifetimes. It’s been an honor to serve as a member of the City of Phoenix Strategic Work Group on Accessibility alongside city leaders and heroes from throughout the community.
Special thanks also go to fellow D.A.R.E. honoree Councilwoman Debra Stark, who co-chaired the work group and was one of the earliest city advocates of our big vision for housing and community development long before serving as an elected official.
Together, we continue building a city that serves as a global magnet for bright minds and businesses to flourish, and where everyone belongs—a city I’m proud to call home!