Mesa has marked an upgrade to its social fabric with the opening of the Mesa Family Resource Center at the Main Library, aimed at providing young families with the essentials for early childhood development. In a collaboration with First Things First, Arizona's early childhood agency, the center launched at 64 E. First St. offers free parenting classes, child activities, and references to community resources for families with children up to age five. Announced to the public through a city statement, the initiative responds to the irrefutable evidence supporting the significance of the first five years in brain development.
Emphasizing the city's pledge to nurture robust communities, Mayor John Giles underscored that the resource center symbolizes Mesa's commitment. "By connecting families to critical resources, we are ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive," Mayor Giles told the City of Mesa. The center not only stands as a beacon of help and hope but also as a practical toolkit for residents aiming to forge a bright future for their offspring and themselves.
Backed by a four-year grant, with annual funds of $300,000 from First Things First, the Mesa Family Resource Center is geared to shoulder the duties of staff and operations. First Things First, established in 2006 through Proposition 203 is dedicated to ensuring young children are primed for success upon entering kindergarten. In a statement obtained by the City of Mesa, K. Vilay, Chief Regional Officer at First Things First, stressed the crucial role these centers play in making resources easily accessible to families, fostering child development and community awareness of available support.
Partnering with numerous community services, the Family Resource Center encapsulates a shared vision of reinforcing childhood education, literacy and aiding in shrinking achievement disparities. Mesa Public Schools, Head Start, and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) are among collaborators offering their support. At a critical juncture where the foundation is laid for lifelong learning, the center aspires to guide children towards academic excellence, starting from kindergarten all through to higher education, said Sarah Tolar, the City of Mesa Education and Workforce Administrator, as she commented on the center's broader education goals.
To celebrate its grand opening, the public is warmly invited to the Mesa Family Resource Center on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 11 a.m. This event will kick-off with an open house featuring various activities beginning at 11:30 a.m. The Resource Center's operational hours extend throughout the week and include a monthly community activity each Saturday, for which the schedule will vary. Those looking for more details can visit the center's website.
