In Arizona, generosity is more than a value; it is a way of life. From boardrooms to classrooms, ballfields to board service, countless individuals quietly give their time, talent, and resources to strengthen the communities they call home.
This Mission Monday column shines a light on those difference-makers. Each week, we spotlight a philanthropic leader or volunteer whose passion for service is creating real, lasting impact across the state. Through their stories, we explore the “why” behind their giving, the mission that fuels their commitment, and the nonprofit organizations working tirelessly to serve Arizona’s most pressing needs. Today, we welcome Barbara Achten, casino cashier manager at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, who serves on the board of First Things First. She is also chair of the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino HERO Committee.
What inspired you to get involved with this organization?
The people at Harrah’s Ak-Chin and in the Ak-Chin Indian Community inspire me. I’ve worked here since it opened in ’94 and have been part of the HERO Committee since it began. During that time, I’ve had the good fortune to meet some great people who are truly trying to make a difference. I’ve also seen how challenging it can be for organizations to find volunteers, secure funding, and access the resources they need.
Seeing those needs firsthand and being part of a community and culture filled with caring people has taught me a lot about getting involved whenever and wherever I can. I want to give back in ways that truly matter. As a lifelong Pinal County resident, mom, and grandma, I genuinely want to support First Things First and the important work they do in the community where I live and work.
My experiences—both on the job and out in the community—have shown me the value of lending a hand, and it’s something that brings me a great deal of joy.
For those unfamiliar, can you share the core mission of the nonprofit and the community it serves here in Arizona?
From birth to age 5, children’s brains develop faster than at any other time in their lives, laying the foundation for future learning and success. That’s why Arizonans created First Things First—a voter-initiated, statewide organization that funds early education and health programs to help young children succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Local regional councils, made up of community volunteers, decide how funds are invested to support the healthy development and learning of Arizona’s youngest children.
We invest early childhood funds in programs and services that address the developmental, educational and health needs of children from birth to age 5, before they enter kindergarten. We administer statewide initiatives and award regional and statewide grants through competitive RFGAs (Requests for Grant Applications). Funds are allocated to Arizona communities based on their population of young children, with an emphasis on directing resources to children and families through a network of community providers. Everything we do is strategically designed to help more Arizona children arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed.
What is a program, initiative, or moment that truly captures the impact this nonprofit organization is making right now?
Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care is an initiative that First Things First partners with the United Way of Pinal County to provide. The program offers local and in-home childcare providers—including foster and adoptive parents—free training, support, and resources to help them play a bigger role in a child’s first five years of learning. This helps ensure young children receive the same educational enrichment and developmental support they would get in a licensed childcare center. As a first-time parent forever ago, these are exactly the kinds of resources I wish I had.
And what about HERO? Can you tell us a little more about that?
The HERO Committee is an employee-based volunteer group at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino that provides team members and their families with opportunities to give back to the community through service projects, charitable donations, and nonprofit partnerships. The goal of HERO is to strengthen organizations and programs in the communities where employees and their families live and work.
Our HERO Committee has helped lead impactful projects with the Veterans in Need Project, Maricopa Police Foundation, HHHOHP Stand Down for Veterans, F.O.R. Maricopa Food Drive, Maricopa Lions Club, Boys & Girls Club of the Sun Corridor, Maricopa Against Abuse, United Way of Pinal County, Casa Grande Roller Derby, Pat Tillman Foundation, and the American Cancer Society, just to name a few.
How do you balance your professional life with your commitment to giving back, and what advice would you offer to others who want to do the same?
I don’t think it’s a balancing act so much as an integration. I find causes that align with my values, and I participate in activities and programs that bring me joy, which makes giving back feel less like work. Fortunately, my workplace encourages us to volunteer by providing flexibility with our time and support for employee-led initiatives. That makes it much easier to participate in community events.
My advice is to remember that even small contributions can have a significant impact. The sense of connection you develop through volunteering often extends well beyond a single event and, over time, can inspire others around you to get involved, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Pick causes you care about, involve your family, and treat these moments like any other important family activity. When you do, helping others feels both rewarding and easy to manage.
If your philanthropic work had a theme song, what would it be and why?
“Give a Little Bit” by Supertramp captures the true spirit of giving. Its message reminds us that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful impact. The song encourages everyone to play a part in helping others, showing that we can make a difference by working together and offering what we can. By coming together and giving a little, we can create positive change in our communities.
Outside of your work with the organization, what are three local spots that you especially love and why?
My home, first and foremost! I love being at home with my family—hanging out, playing games, or just spending time together. Going out is usually an adventure, too. We enjoy casual hikes at Casa Grande Mountain Park, thrift shopping, and taking day trips to Flagstaff or Tucson.
