Children First

Children First

Civic and Social Organizations

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1,381 followers

Improving the lives of children through thoughtful and informed advocacy supported by direct service projects.

About us

Children First was founded over 40 years ago to help improve the lives of children by advocating on their behalf and by being a catalyst for positive change. We help to identify and educate the public about children’s needs, insisting that our children become a priority if we as a society, and they as our future, are to survive. Our goals have always been to increase the awareness of children’s needs; increase the resources for children and families; strengthen families and communities in helping children learn and grow and assure implementation of funding of public policies which promote stable children and families. While we educate and advocate on behalf of children across all issues, we undertake specific-focused efforts to improve the health of our children by maximizing access and availability of health care; improve child welfare by targeting efforts to strengthen families; improve the quality and quantity of child care programs; act earlier rather than later in developing, monitoring and disseminating information about in-home programs that work; and improve the chances for troubled and troubling adolescents by seeking out the causes and responses to truancy or delinquency by building alternative programming in communities and developing more and better after-school programs in neighborhoods

Industry
Civic and Social Organizations
Company size
11-50 employees
Headquarters
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
1980

Locations

  • Primary

    990 Spring Garden St

    Suite 200

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123, US

    Get directions

Employees at Children First

Updates

  • Family gatherings can be a source of joy—or stress. For children, navigating tense family dynamics during the holidays can be overwhelming. Here’s how you can help: ✔️ Prepare Ahead: Talk with your child about what to expect and how they can manage their feelings. ✔️ Set Boundaries: It’s okay to limit exposure to difficult situations or step away if things feel too intense. ✔️ Model Coping Skills: Show your child healthy ways to manage stress, like deep breathing or taking a walk. Creating a supportive environment at home can help buffer the impact of external challenges.

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  • The holiday season can be magical, but it’s also a time when schedules get disrupted, and emotions run high. It’s important to help children navigate these challenges to protect their mental health. Here’s how: ✔️ Keep Routines Consistent: Maintain regular sleep and meal schedules to provide a sense of stability. ✔️ Encourage Open Communication: Create safe spaces where your child feels comfortable sharing their feelings, whether they’re excited or overwhelmed. ✔️ Take Breaks from Busy Activities: Allow downtime to recharge, whether that’s a family movie night or quiet time with a favorite book. The holidays don’t have to be perfect—small acts of care can make a big difference.

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  • In her latest article, published today in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Children First's Behavioral Health Policy Coordinator, Kate Fox explains how dyadic care—a model that supports parents and children together—can transform mental health outcomes. By reducing caregiver stress by 40% and improving children’s behaviors dyadic care meets families where they are, like pediatric visits, ensuring early support and prevention. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eawy2uPv Pennsylvania has a chance to invest in this game-changing approach by removing barriers and prioritizing culturally responsive care. Let’s build a future where families thrive together.

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  • Your Mental Health Matters. Stress during the holidays can mask deeper mental health challenges. Consider these steps: 1) Talk to a provider if you're struggling emotionally. 2) Get a mental health screening for persistent sadness or hopelessness. 3) Reach out to a mental health professional for help. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as physical health. Need support now? Call, text, or chat 988.

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  • Did you know you can get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time? COVID-19: Reduces severe disease and the risk of Long COVID. Flu: Cuts hospitalization risk by 50% and helps you recover faster. The best protection is timely protection. Schedule today and stay healthy all season long.

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  • The holiday season can be challenging, especially when navigating feelings of depression. Here are some ways to find balance and care for your mental health: ✔️ Recognize when sadness becomes overwhelming, and don’t ignore it. ✔️ Seek out support from family, friends, or mental health professionals. ✔️ Focus on small, meaningful moments of connection, not perfection. For Immediate Help: Call 988

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