Newsletter – April 2025

Leaders build excitement for Dimensions™ 2025 with “Love, Courage &” film series.

The “Love, Courage &” film series from the First Place Global Leadership Institute continues with Judith Ursitti, the unstoppable cofounder and president of the Profound Autism Alliance and Jack’s mom. Judith and many other courageous leaders in this series represent the kinds of voices you’ll hear in October at Dimensions 2025—First Place Global’s annual symposium. Register for early bird pricing today!

Announcing Arizona’s first autism specialty license plate.

Created through a heartfelt collaboration between First Place® AZ and Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), and designed by Joe Bradley—an accomplished local artist on the autism spectrum—the speciality license plate became available April 3. With an initial cost and annual renewal fee of $25, a one-time donation of $17 per plate will directly benefit First Place AZ and SARRC by helping fund critical programs and services for individuals with autism and/or developmental disabilities. Honk if you love that—and order here!

First Place–Phoenix residents take their well-deserved annual bow.

Residents were A-M-A-Z-I-N-G in their April performance of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!” This exciting annual experience wouldn’t be possible without ASU’s Design & Arts Corps for their creative direction and Arizona Commission on the Arts for their ongoing support. Once again, the annual First Place–Phoenix musical demonstrated how creative expression can empower individuals and bring our community together.

Be Ready graduates are ready for future employment!

Say hello to the next graduating class of First Place Be Ready℠  jobseekers! Eleven more well-prepared, motived individuals just received their certificates of completion. They’re ready to contribute to the world of work—and we’re ready to watch them shine. Congratulations, graduates!

Let your voice be heard through the Rutgers University Housing Outcomes Study.

The First Place Global Leadership Institute is partnering with the LifeSPAN Autism Lab at Rutgers University on a research study about understanding how living in a supportive residential setting like First Place–Phoenix impacts adults with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.

To meet that goal, the study team needs to hear from family members like you! The online study can be completed during a two-hour Zoom visit. Participants will receive a $50 Mastercard gift card as a thank-you for completing the study.

If you’re interested in participating, please complete the online interest form. The LifeSPAN team will reach out within 48 hours to answer any questions and schedule a Zoom visit. You can also contact the LifeSPAN team by emailing Dr. Elaine Clarke at e.clarke@rutgers.edu or calling 848-445-9384.

A SMILE and a cheer for AZ Autism Charter School and Diana Diaz-Harrison!

First Place® AZ and Arizona Autism Charter Schools have long shared a mission to create more opportunities for individuals with autism to thrive. Two recent events demonstrate our mutual commitment.

SMILE® (Supporting My Independent Living Enterprise) Biscotti, the family bakery and mail order business started by Denise Resnik’s son Matt more than 12 years ago, was gifted to the school’s Essential Piece Entrepreneurial Program, which will utilize its in-house commercial teaching kitchen, mail center and computer lab to service the many personal and corporate customers across the country.

If that wasn’t sweet enough, the school’s founder Diana Diaz-Harrison invited Denise to join her when U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced that Diana will be serving the nation as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. Congratulations, Diana—thank you for leading the way in such a critical role!

On the go with a lively Community Life!

Taco Tuesday is a tasty tradition at First Place–Phoenix, and not just because residents LOVE this ever-popular food. Director of Community Life & Wellness Lexi Barraza, CTRS, shares that Taco Tuesday also instills valuable cooking skills so residents can recreate them in their own apartments—and enjoy tacos on days other than Tuesday!

Discovery was in bloom at the Desert Botanical Garden where residents took advantage of lovely spring weather to explore two beautiful new exhibits. First, they walked the labyrinth created by Valley-based artist Ann Morton centered on community and environment. Then they explored Orchid Fever—the Garden’s first-ever such exhibit—including some endangered and rare orchids researchers are working to preserve. The visit made for some colorful memories!

The big hearts at K2 Adventures Foundation proved once again that compassion and kindness never go out of style at its lively annual Summer in the City Luncheon and Fashion Show benefiting Arizona individuals and families with life changing medical and financial circumstances. Rocking the runway with confidence and charm for another year were our very own First Place–Phoenix residents!