News

Debbie Wells named interim Director

Debbie Wells has been named the interim director of Children First and will be serving in this capacity until the permanent Executive Director position is filled. “Debbie brings a wealth of knowledge as an educator and administrator, an experienced community leader, and a trained Children First Champion with a dedicated commitment to supporting our St….

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Children First Executive Director retires

Children First Executive Director Karen Atkinson recently announced her retirement after 25 years of service. “While I am retiring from Children First, I am excited and looking forward to the next adventure in my journey,” said Atkinson. In 1994, the Children First Founding Partners hired Atkinson to lead the way in developing a community-wide initiative…

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Freezing cold ice cream…

The 26th Annual Children First Ice Cream Social presented by Citizens Independent Bank featured free Sebastian Joe’s and kosher ice cream cones on an unseasonably freezing cold day. Even so, 900 ice cream cones were served as people gathered to enjoy the entertainment and interactive exhibits. Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 17, 2020, hopefully…

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Mission Accomplished!

Thanks everyone! Due to your generosity the Champions Breakfast raised a record-breaking $100,000 to support the mission of putting our children first in St. Louis Park. The event featured folks who grew up in St. Louis Park, getting the support they needed to succeed: Joel & Olivia Liz-Fonts (pictured here), Mateo Gonzalez and Lt. Gov….

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Everyone can build assets

#32. Planning & Decision-making Who better to provide input on neighborhood playgrounds than the children who use them? Last week, the Parks & Recreation Department invited families to provide input on playground equipment for refurbished neighborhood parks. Residents viewed four schematics and cast a vote for their favorite option. Children as well as adults voted…

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