California’s First 5 leaders at State Capitol Advocating for Early Childhood Investments Amidst Tobacco Tax Revenue Decline
Media Contact: Melanie Flood FRSAmelanie@first5association.org SACRAMENTO, CA (February 7, 2024) – Hundreds of First 5 leaders from across California who collectively serve over one million of the state’s children and caregivers are rallying in the Capitol, calling for a one-time $100 million investment, aimed to stabilize various local programs serving children and families amidst dwindling […]
California Must Prioritize Young Children, Despite Budget Deficit
SACRAMENTO, CA (January 11, 2024) – The First 5 Network appreciates the Governor and administration for maintaining their commitment to early childhood education, infant and early childhood mental health, and protecting early childhood systems of care as part of the proposed 2024-25 budget plan. Despite the difficult budget year, the First 5 Network is committed […]
First 5 Joint Statement on the 2023-24 State Budget
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jamiann Collins-Lopez (916) 316-1924 SACRAMENTO, CA (July 11, 2023) – Yesterday, Governor Newsom signed the 2023-24 State Budget, which demonstrates the Legislature’s and Administration’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing resources for proven intervention and support systems of young children and their families, while continuing to build upon a whole-child, whole-family, whole-community agenda. […]
First 5 Network Responds to May Budget Revision
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Melanie Flood, First 5 Association melanie@first5association.org SACRAMENTO, CA (May 16, 2023) – On Friday, May 12, 2023, Governor Newsom released the May Revision that maintains his consistency and promise from January to minimize the effects of a declining economy away from our state’s most vulnerable constituents. In the face of a […]
First 5s Across California Rally to Champion Early Childhood Investments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Melanie Flood, First 5 Associationmelanie@first5association.org SACRAMENTO, CA (April 19, 2023) – Today the statewide network of First 5s will meet with legislators to champion early childhood legislation and investments for California’s youngest children. Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes will join First 5s by addressing the network in a virtual gathering. The […]
First 5: Governor Newsom’s 2023–24 Budget Proposal Continues Support of California’s Youngest Children and Families
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Melanie Flood FRSA, First 5 Association of California, melanie@first5association.org SACRAMENTO, CA (January 11, 2023) – Governor Newsom released his proposed budget plan Tuesday, which continues to demonstrate his commitment to provide for the needs of young children and their families and continuing to build toward an improved early childhood system. “We […]
Published study by First 5 San Bernardino shows parenting education plays crucial role in the prevention of child maltreatment
In a first for First 5 San Bernardino (F5SB), a research study based on one of the organization’s initiatives was recently published highlighting the importance parenting education programs play in preventing child abuse and neglect. Featured in the Journal of Public Child Welfare’s June 15, 2022, edition, the paper titled “Strengths-based case management” provides evidence […]
First 5 Association of California Welcomes Avo Makdessian as Executive Director
SACRAMENTO – First 5 Association of California (F5AC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Avo Makdessian as its new Executive Director, which will commence on August 29, 2022. Mr. Makdessian will lead the Association, its complementary Foundation, and the First 5 Center for Children’s Policy. His expertise in advocacy, grantmaking, research, and community outreach […]
The First 5 Network Statement on the 2022-23 State Budget
SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, the First 5 Network thanks Governor Newsom and the Legislature for adopting the 2022-23 state budget that provides critical investments in behavioral and mental health, children’s health, early literacy, and reproductive rights. The First 5 Network is appreciative of the $10 million investment in the 2022-23 fiscal year and $20 million […]
Rep. Ro Khanna Hosts Roundtable Conversation on Baby Formula Shortage with First 5 Santa Clara CEO and Parents
On Tuesday, June 1, Rep. Ro Khanna hosted a roundtable conversation with First 5 Santa Clara County CEO, Jennifer Kelleher Cloyd and a Bay Area parent in Santa Clara County. Santa Clara County parents and caregivers continue to search for out-of-stock baby formula amid a national shortage felt throughout the country. The panel talked about how […]
