FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Courtney Armstrong
Courtney@first5association.org
Avo Makdessian, Executive Director of the First 5 Association of California today issued the following statement after a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration must restore funding to AmeriCorps in California.
“First 5s across California are pleased and relieved to see funding to AmeriCorps restored across the state. First 5 commissions serve more than one million California children and families each year through an integrated, collaborative system of support. In many rural areas, AmeriCorps is foundational to First 5’s ability to provide family support.
“California families rely heavily on AmeriCorps members for direct services. In rural communities, for example, AmeriCorps members provide developmental screenings for young children from birth through age five. While parents in urban areas may have easier access to pediatric services, these resources are often scarce in rural regions. Trained AmeriCorps members bridge this gap by traveling directly to families. They are a lifeline in many cases and we are grateful for this restoration.”
For more on AmeriCorp’s impact on families of young children, you can listen to Avo Makdessian’s interview on Capitol Public Radio’s Insight here.
Click here to download a PDF of this press release
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About the First 5 Association of California
The First 5 Association of California represents the state’s 58 county First 5 Commissions. Together, First 5 supports over one million children and families each year, advancing policies and investments that ensure young children are healthy, safe, and ready to learn. The Association works to advance state and federal public policies and funding that support California’s young children and families. Our policy work is informed by local communities and local First 5 Commissions and is grounded in a whole child / whole family lens. We do this while centering the fact that low-income communities, communities of color, and historically marginalized Californians face disproportionate impacts due to systemic racism, wealth inequality, and environmental hazards. Learn more at www.first5association.org.
