First 5 Contra Costa Awarded Nearly $2.4 Million in ACEs Aware Implementation Grant
First 5 Contra Costa, in partnership Contra Costa Crisis Center and La Clínica Pittsburg Medical, has been selected to receive an ACEs Aware implementation grant totaling $2,355,708 from the Office of the California Surgeon General (CA-OSG) and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to participate in the state’s ACEs Aware initiative.
“Our first round of ACEs Aware grants brought medical, behavioral health, and community organizations together to imagine a system that prevents, screens for, treats and heals from ACEs,” said Dr. Ruth Fernández, Executive Director, First 5 Contra Costa. “This latest funding will take this dreaming and put it into practice. When medical providers like La Clínica and community resources like the Crisis Center can integrate their work, our county is all the readier to interrupt and heal cycles of toxic stress.”
First 5 Contra Costa and their partners will seek to mitigate the toxic stress response, build resilience, and limit the intergenerational transmission of ACEs by screening children age 0 to 5 years and their primary caregivers and connecting them with buffering resources and support structures in their communities. Recognizing the impact of maternal toxic stress on a child’s development, the work will have a strong focus on screening prenatal and postpartum mothers and creating supports and community referral systems that connect them with the resources they most need.
“Our program encourages caregivers to focus on their own wellbeing as a way to create a stable home and to build resiliency in their children. This is important for all mothers, but especially so for those with toxic stress related to their own ACEs,” said Dr. Barbara Botelho of La Clínica Pittsburg Medical. “At La Clínica, many of our patients have traumas stemming from both poverty and discrimination. By partnering with the Crisis Center and First 5, we hope to provide the material support and the tools to help them heal.”
In addition to screening caregivers and children ages 0-5, the project will build resilience in children and mothers by referring them to community supports, including:
- Mental health services for the mother to address positive ACES screening or other mental health issues including postnatal depression
- Breastfeeding support
- Support for basic needs, with a particular focus on addressing food insecurity and homelessness
- Community-building opportunities
- Parenting classes and education on normal infant development
- Resources for cultivating parental wellbeing
“In our work building a Network of Care, we’ve learned that our medical community is well aware of ACEs and the effects of toxic stress. Where they’ve struggled is answering the question, ‘what’s next?’ after they screen for ACEs,” said Wanda Davis, Early Intervention Program Officer, First 5 Contra Costa. “This latest round of ACEs Aware grant funding will answer that question by connecting providers and systems of care to one another. When it comes to screening, treating, and healing ACEs, we don’t have to go it alone.”
The second round of ACEs Aware grants focuses on planning and implementing networks of care across the state, including developing information technology platforms that provide the connectivity and integration necessary to move from screening, to treatment, to healing.
“The science is clear: Without intervention, Adverse Childhood Experiences and the resulting toxic stress response can lead to lasting negative mental and physical health outcomes,” said California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris. “These grants will strengthen the capacity of our networks of care to support health care providers to effectively screen, treat, and heal patients with ACEs.”
A total of $30.8 million in second round ACEs Aware grant funding was awarded to 35 organizations across California to build and strengthen robust “networks of care” to effectively respond to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress with community-based health and social supports that meet the needs of children, adults, and families.
The full list of ACEs Aware grantees is available on the ACEs Aware Website.
Click here to download the full press release.
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About First 5 Contra Costa
First 5 Contra Costa helps young children start school healthy, nurtured and ready to learn by investing in programs and activities focused on child development.
About La Clínica
The mission La Clínica is to improve the quality of life of diverse communities by providing culturally appropriate, high quality, and accessible health care for all.
About Contra Costa Crisis Center
The mission of the Contra Costa Crisis Center is to keep people alive and safe, help them through crises, and provide or connect them with culturally relevant services in the community.
About ACEs Aware
Led by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California Surgeon General, and Dr. Karen Mark, Medical Director for DHCS, the ACEs Aware initiative offers Medi-Cal providers core training, screening tools, clinical protocols, and payment for screening children and adults for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which are stressful or traumatic experiences people have by age 18 that were identified in the landmark ACE Study. ACEs describe 10 categories of adversities in three domains – abuse, neglect, and/or household dysfunction. ACEs are strongly associated with at least nine out of 10 of the leading causes of death in the United States. Part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s California for All initiative, the goal of ACEs Aware is to reduce ACEs and toxic stress by half in one generation. Follow ACEs Aware on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Office of the California Surgeon General
The role of California Surgeon General was created in 2019 by Governor Gavin Newsom to advise the Governor, serve as a leading spokesperson on public health matters, and drive solutions to the state’s most pressing public health challenges. As California’s first Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris has established early childhood, health equity, and ACEs and toxic stress as key priorities.
California Department of Health Care Services
DHCS is the backbone of California’s health care safety net, helping millions of low-income and disabled Californians each and every day. The mission of DHCS is to provide Californians with access to affordable, integrated, high-quality health care, including medical, dental, mental health, substance use treatment services, and long-term care. DHCS’ vision is to preserve and improve the overall health and well-being of all Californians. DHCS funds health care services for about 13 million Medi-Cal beneficiaries
First 5 Contra Costa Awarded Nearly $300,000 ACEs Aware Grant
First 5 Contra Costa in partnership with Contra Costa Health Services Department, Trauma Transformed, and the Employment and Human Services Department has received $299,261 in grant funds from the Office of the California Surgeon General (CA-OSG) and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to participate in the state’s ACEs Aware initiative.
“The ACEs Aware grant will support ongoing county-level efforts to develop a trauma-informed system of care that is now more than ever urgently needed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ruth Fernandez, Executive Director, First 5 Contra Costa.
First 5 Contra Costa and their partners will be conducting supplemental provider training, provider engagement activities, as well as a range of communications strategies to promote the ACEs Aware initiative among the Medi-Cal provider community in Contra Costa County.
“We are excited to lead this collaborative effort for our County,” said Wanda Davis, Early Intervention Program Officer, First 5 Contra Costa. “Young children are particularly vulnerable to toxic stress as their brains continuously develop during the first 5 years. Through early detection, we can mitigate the impact of ACEs and improve health outcomes starting from birth.”
A total of $14.3 million was awarded to 100 organizations throughout the state to extend the reach and impact of the ACEs Aware initiative. ACEs Aware seeks to change and save lives by helping Medi-Cal providers understand the importance of screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and training them to respond with trauma-informed care.
“Many people will experience trauma and toxic stress at some point in their lives,” said Gerold Loenicker, chief of Contra Costa Health Services’ Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.“The earlier we respond to a traumatic event, the more we can mitigate its impact on the health and well-being of the person experiencing it, their families, and the communities they are part of. The ACES grant will support our work to help people recover and grow from their adverse experiences.”
The ACEs Aware grants will provide funding to organizations to design and implement training, provider engagement, and education activities for providers and organizations that serve Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
“We are looking forward to working in partnership with this amazing group of community leaders to further our efforts to help health care providers become ACEs Aware,” said California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris. “This work is critical, now more than ever, given the stress so many Californians are experiencing as a result of COVID-19 and the role of racial injustice as a risk factor for toxic stress. A trauma-informed health care workforce is vital for helping our state heal.”
The grant funding will provide critical support to community organizations serving Medi-Cal providers and beneficiaries, which have been experiencing increased stress during the COVID-19 emergency. Grant activities will augment California’s efforts, underway since the summer of 2019, to develop provider training and engage providers, including the promotion of payments to Medi-Cal providers for screening their patients for ACEs.
“Contra Costa’s Employment & Human Services Department and The Alliance to End Abuse looks forward to strengthening and furthering its work around ACEs, trauma-informed care and toxic stress through this collaborative initiative,” said Alex Madsen, Division Manager, Alliance to End Abuse, Employment & Human Services Department. “Now more than ever, we should be treating ACEs, and root causes of ACEs such as generational poverty and systemic racism, as a public health crisis.”
Funding for the ACEs Aware grants was previously authorized in the 2019-20 budget using Proposition 56 funds for provider training on how to conduct ACE screening in the Medi-Cal population. In light of the COVID-19 emergency, the grant funding will provide critical support to the community organizations serving Medi-Cal providers and beneficiaries.
The full list of ACEs Aware grantees is available on the ACEs Aware Website.
Click here to download the Press Release.
# # #
About First 5 Contra Costa
First 5 Contra Costa helps young children start school healthy, nurtured and ready to learn by investing in programs and activities focused on child development.
About Contra Costa Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD)
Contra Costa Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) partners with the community to deliver quality services to ensure access to resources that support, protect, and empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency.
About Contra Costa Health Services
Contra Costa Health Services has a mission to care for and improve the health of all people in Contra Costa County with special attention to those who are most vulnerable to health problems.
About ACEs Aware
Led by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California Surgeon General, and Dr. Karen Mark, Medical Director for DHCS, the ACEs Aware initiative offers Medi-Cal providers core training, screening tools, clinical protocols, and payment for screening children and adults for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which are stressful or traumatic experiences people have by age 18 that were identified in the landmark ACE Study. ACEs describe 10 categories of adversities in three domains – abuse, neglect, and/or household dysfunction. ACEs are strongly associated with at least nine out of 10 of the leading causes of death in the United States. Part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s California for All initiative, the goal of ACEs Aware is to reduce ACEs and toxic stress by half in one generation. Follow ACEs Aware onFacebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Office of the California Surgeon General
The role of California Surgeon General was created in 2019 by Governor Gavin Newsom to advise the Governor, serve as a leading spokesperson on public health matters, and drive solutions to the state’s most pressing public health challenges. As California’s first Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris has established early childhood, health equity, and ACEs and toxic stress as key priorities.
California Department of Health Care Services
DHCS is the backbone of California’s health care safety net, helping millions of low-income and disabled Californians each and every day. The mission of DHCS is to provide Californians with access to affordable, integrated, high-quality health care, including medical, dental, mental health, substance use treatment services, and long-term care. DHCS’ vision is to preserve and improve the overall health and well-being of all Californians. DHCS funds health care services for about 13 million Medi-Cal beneficiaries
First 5 Contra Costa’s Family Resource Centers Awarded over $50,000
First 5 Contra Costa’s Family Resource Centers Awarded over $50,000 to Address Family Needs During COVID-19 Crisis
First 5 Contra Costa in partnership with the Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) and Scotts Valley Tribal TANF applied for and was awarded a $52,400 grant from the California Family Resource Association (CFRA) to provide emergency relief to Contra Costa families. In April, Governor Newsom announced $42 million in new investments to protect young children at heightened risk for abuse and mistreatment due to COVID-19, with $3 million allocated specifically for Family Resource Centers (FRC) to distribute to families they serve.
“We are excited to have this valuable resource for families and to be working with our local community partners—the Child Abuse Prevention Council and Scotts Valley Tribal TANF—to extend our reach beyond the families we serve at the First 5 Centers.”said Lisa Korb, Family Support Program Officer at First 5 Contra Costa.
The grant, released from the Office of Child Abuse Prevention, named FRCs as the recipient of the grant and named foster and tribal families as the priority populations to be served. First 5 Contra Costa funds a network of six FRCs operated by non-profits Aspiranet and Bay Area Community Resources. The First 5 Centers (FRC) support families to help parents raise healthy and happy children, and connect families to community resources.
In collaboration, First 5 Contra Costa, the Child Abuse Prevention Council, and Scotts Valley Tribal TANF will provide gift cards (gas and food), children’s books, and other needed supplies like diapers, wipes, cleaning supplies to approximately 1,000 families who have experienced a loss of income as a result of COVID-19.
“We are grateful to our family-strengthening partners to be able to provide critical support to our community during these unprecedented times.”said Carol Carrillo, MSW, Executive Director at the Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC). The CAPC strives to prevent child abuse in Contra Costa County by raising awareness through educational programs, trainings, parent education, support, and advocacy.
Scotts Valley Tribal TANF provides culturally relevant social services, with the goal of encouraging the formation and maintenance of healthy and self-sufficient Native American families. “The resilience of our community continues to be strong. This funding and local partnership will help SVTT provide additional support, resources, and services to Native American families living in Contra Costa County.” said Sharon James-Tiger, Executive Director at Scotts Valley Tribal TANF.
http://www.svtribaltanf.org
COVID-19 Further Accelerating Disparities in Housing, Income, and Race
COVID-19 has laid bare many flaws in our social safety net. In communities of color, the virus has thrown into sharp focus the many ways in which systems contribute to the increased vulnerability of Black and Brown children and families, particularly the lack of affordable housing and the constant threat of eviction.
Eviction pushes families deeper into poverty, disturbs the stability of their daily lives and lowers parents’ capacity to help their children weather those challenges. For children, the level of stress, anxiety and fear that eviction can cause can adversely affect their development and overall health. 15% of children in Contra Costa County have experienced 2 or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which increase their risk for chronic diseases, as well as their capacity for developing healthy social and emotional skills. Young children depend on stable, responsive, and nurturing relationships to buffer sustained toxic stress endured in the home environment when “basic” necessities such as food and housing are threatened.
Race and place defines who does well and who does not. A new report by Bay Area Equity Atlas shows that essential workers are disproportionately people of color, women, and immigrants. In Contra Costa, 40% of frontline workers have children at home, and 42% pay more than a of third of their income on rent.
The initial eviction moratorium enacted by the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors was a good first step, but there is more to do to protect our most vulnerable families in Contra Costa County.
Here are four actions the Board can take to combat this crisis that threatens the health and economic well-being of our community.
- Extend the Eviction and Rent Moratorium Beyond May 31st: tie the moratorium to 30 days beyond the lifting of the County’s Health Emergency Order. As these orders are preventing many renters and tenants from working, this timeframe will allow renters breathing room to get back on their feet and find employment. The extension will also further protect low-income families and essential workers, allowing them to stay in their homes.
- Equitable Relief Funds: Provide economic assistance through local, state, and federal resources to cash-strapped tenants, homeowners, and small property owners. Without this assistance, tenants’ inability to pay rent will cause a ripple effect in the economy, including threatening the livelihoods of many local landlords.
- Extend the Grace Period: Cuts in federal and state funding, including elimination of State Redevelopment, have reduced investment in affordable housing production, and the resulting housing shortage has led to Contra Costa residents paying an average rent of $2,731. Currently, the County’s grace period only allows a total of four months for repayment. Under the current moratorium, tenants would be expected to pay up to double their usual rent for four consecutive months in order to avoid eviction during a crisis that has prevented people from earning a check through no fault of their own. The County must implement policies to keep people from being evicted as our community recovers from the pandemic.
- Tenant Education: Expand public education, hotlines, and other strategies. It is imperative to widely disseminate tenant protection information. There’s ample evidence from tenant community organizations that the County hasn’t done enough to spread the word, especially in economically and linguistically marginalized communities.
The time to act is now. If nothing further is done, COVID-19 will continue to burn through our communities, causing more residents and their children to risk being pushed into homelessness. Immediate action today will pay dividends for the entire county tomorrow.
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Dr. Ruth Fernández, Ed.D. is Executive Director at First 5 Contra Costa with over 20 years of knowledge and experience working in early childhood, with diverse communities in project management, and strategic planning and system services coordination in the education and social services sectors. Previously she spent over 12 years at the Contra Costa County Office of Education and helped to identify and coordinate educational services for educators working in early childhood education throughout the county.
Alma (last name not disclosed due to fear of retaliation) lives in Concord and is a recently single mother, having escaped an abusive relationship. She works cleaning houses to pay rent on her apartment for her and her seven year old child. Alma has now lost all her clients as a result of COVID 19 and Shelter in Place, and has also recently received a notice of a rent increase from her landlord effective June 1.
Parent Leaders to Host Census Family Fair–an Event Focused on a Complete Count of All Children
Two parent advocacy groups—the East County Regional Group and the Central County Regional Group, both sponsored by First 5 Contra Costa— are hosting Census Family Fair events focused on a complete count of all children to secure needed federal funding and accurate representation for children and families across Contra Costa.
An undercount in the 2020 Census could cost Contra Costa County between $500 million and $1.1 billion over 10 years in federal programs, including programs for kids such as education, childcare, medical care, food assistance, housing, and public transportation.
“It is critical that everyone in underrepresented neighborhoods are counted for the 2020 Census. Being counted means more money into our communities for needed programs, as well as more equitable political representation for low-income families and families of color”, said Rhea Elina Laughlin, Program Officer with First 5 Contra Costa.
The well-being of all families in Contra Costa County is dependent upon a complete count. These fun, family-friendly events will raise awareness on the impact of an accurate count and address misinformation, fearmongering, and actions targeting underrepresented communities, especially immigrant families and families of color.
With a focus on undercounted communities and to address some of the challenges in responding to the Census (including internet access and privacy concerns), there will be census experts, community resources, and trusted community partners available to answer any questions and to assist with the process.
“A lot of people don’t know about the census or worry how their information will be used. We’re holding this event to help our community understand how important it is we are ALL counted”, said Chipo Washington, Chair of the East County Regional Group.
There will be two events in Contra Costa County and all services are available at no cost—kids activities will include face painting, arts and crafts, as well as music and dance.
Saturday, April 4, 2020
11am – 1pm
Anuta Park
2485 Willow Pass Rd., Bay Point
TBD
11am – 1pm
Ellis Lake Park
1760 Clayton Rd., Concord
Community partners at both events will include:
- La Clínica
- Contra Costa Health Services
- Family Justice Center
- CoCoKids
- First Baptist
- First 5 Centers
- 211
- Center for Human Development
- All in One
Parent Leaders Help Contra Costa County Secure Over $7 Million In Grant Funds To Renovate Local Parks
The children and families in the cities of Richmond and Antioch will get the parks of their dreams.
Through grassroots resident leadership and city/community partnerships, Contra Costa County received over $15 million (40% of the $36 million awarded to the Bay Area) from Proposition 68 grant funds to renovate and create local parks in underserved communities
The City of Richmond was awarded $12.7 million in grant funds for two projects ($8.5 million for the Harbour-8 Park Expansion and $4.2 million for the Boorman Park Revitalization) and the City of Antioch was awarded nearly $3 million for the Contra Loma Estates Park Project. There were 478 applications received and the Statewide Park Program (SPP), designed to create new parks and recreation opportunities in critically underserved communities across California, selected 62 applications statewide with three park locations in Contra Costa County.
The parent advocacy groups—West County Regional Group and East County Regional Group, both sponsored by First 5 Contra Costa—served as the community partner for two of the three projects. The regional groups led participatory community park needs assessments that resulted in the identification of priority parks (Boorman Park and Contra Loma Estates Park) in the highest need of attention. In partnership with First 5 Contra Costa, Healthy & Active Before 5, the City of Richmond, and the City of Antioch, resident leaders organized a series of in-depth community workshops to create the future vision and design of both parks. The funding will make the community’s dream for their local parks a reality.
To promote increased park use among young children and families, a collaborative team of West Contra Costa County residents, early childhood advocates, and community organizations initiated a community-led research project to assess the quality of public parks in the city of Richmond, CA.
The total funding approved for grants throughout the State was $254.9 million, with $36 million awarded to the Bay Area. With SPP embracing meaningful engagement with local residents where park designs represent each community’s unique recreation needs and creativity, the grant applications from Contra Costa County represented parent leadership, an innovative model, and a commitment to a community-driven process.
“Parks are important for our children to grow up healthy. Just because we live in a low-income area, does not mean our children should have less. Our kids and communities deserve quality parks to play in and be active”, said Leydi Maldonado, Chair of the parent advocacy group, West County Regional Group.
Similarly, residents mobilized by the East County Regional Group have worked with the city of Antioch for years to bring needed investments to Contra Loma Estates Park. Residents’ support and advocacy led the City of Antioch to make unprecedented improvements and the partnership played an instrumental role in receiving the grant award.
“This investment will shape childhoods for generations to come. We are thrilled that Richmond and Antioch children will have the innovative, fun, and safe places to play outdoors that they deserve. These park grants represent what we can accomplish together when we partner with residents and bring multiple organizations together to transform neighborhoods”, said Rhea Elina Laughlin with First 5 Contra Costa.
The East County Regional Group leads a workshop for the community to envision the park of their dreams.
Public parks are essential spaces for promoting community health, and in particular, physical activity, outdoor play, and mental well-being among families with young children. It is well established that early childhood is a critical time in the life course for promoting health and preventing chronic disease. With improved access to quality parks in their own neighborhoods, the youngest children of Contra Costa County are more likely to benefit from opportunities for a healthy start to their lives.
“Promoting and advocating for local policies that increase access to safe and healthy open spaces for children and families to play, connect, and be active is integral to First 5 Contra Costa’s mission to promote optimal development for all children” Ruth Fernandez, Executive Director at First 5 Contra Costa.
Boorman Park Concept
Additional information:
Regional Groups are parent advocacy groups of residents working to make communities healthier, safer, and more equitable for young children and families. Three groups exist in Contra Costa County and work in partnership with the First 5 Contra Costa Community Engagement and Advocacy Program: East County Regional Group (ECRG), West County Regional Group (WCRG), and Central County Regional Group (CCRG).
First 5 Contra Costa helps young children start school healthy, nurtured and ready to learn by investing in programs and activities focused on children during their first five years—the most important time in children’s development.
Click here to learn more about our Regional Groups: http://www.first5coco.org/funded-programs/regional-groupsparent-advocacy/
First 5 Contra Costa Welcomes Dr. Ruth Fernández as the New Executive Director
First 5 Contra Costa Children and Families Commission applauds and welcomes Ruth Fernandez as the new Executive Director at First 5 Contra Costa
After an extensive search, First 5 Contra Costa is pleased to announce that Ruth Fernández has accepted the position of executive director effective on January 13, 2020. Ruth had previously served as Deputy Director at First 5 Contra Costa since November 2017 and will continue to lead First 5’s mission to foster the optimal development of Contra Costa children, prenatal through 5 years of age.
“It gives me great pride to start 2020 by leading First 5 Contra Costa’s mission on behalf of young children and their families. It is our duty as community leaders to eradicate the systemic barriers that disproportionately affect the lives and wellbeing of children–they are our most precious resource. I am elated for the opportunity to continue to serve the county in this role.” said Ruth Fernández, First 5 Contra Costa Executive Director.
Ruth brings to her role an exceptional combination of knowledge and experience working in early childhood, as well as over 20 years of experience working with diverse communities in project management, and strategic planning and system services coordination in the education and social services sectors. In 2019, she earned her Doctorate degree from Mills College of Oakland in Educational Leadership, with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. She also has a B.A. in Political Economies of Industrialized Societies from the University of California at Berkeley, and a Master’s Degree in Leadership from St. Mary’s College of California. Prior to her role as Deputy Director at First 5 Contra Costa, Ruth worked at the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) for over 12 years and helped to identify and coordinate educational services for educators working in early childhood education throughout the county.
The First 5 Contra Costa Children and Families Commission is confident that Ruth’s knowledge, leadership skills, and experience in working in early childhood will continue the organization’s success and vision that all of Contra Costa’s young children will be healthy, ready to learn, and supported in safe, nurturing families and communities.
Dr. Ruth Fernández with Marilyn Cachola Lucey, Commission Chair for the First 5 Contra Costa Children and Families Commission.
“Ruth’s vision for First 5 and her track record of program innovation, strategic partnership development, and effective leadership, made her the inspired choice. We are excited to usher in the next era for First 5, with Ruth at the helm.” said Marilyn Cachola Lucey, Commission Chair for the First 5 Contra Costa Children and Families Commission.
First 5 is grateful to the search firm CPS HR Consulting, First 5 staff, and the Children and Families Commission for their role and ongoing support in the decision-making process. Please join First 5 Contra Costa in welcoming Ruth and share in the excitement as we enter into a new chapter of our continual support of parents and families, and strengthening systems that give our youngest children the best start in life.
Dr. Ruth Fernández with Commissioners John Jones and Supervisor Diane Burgis
Click here to download the press release.
About First 5 Contra Costa:
First 5 Contra Costa helps young children start school healthy, nurtured and ready to learn by investing in programs and activities focused on children during their first five years—the most important time in children’s development. http://www.first5coco.org/
First 5 Contra Costa
1485 Civic Court, Suite 1200
Concord, CA 94520
925-771-7300
Early Childhood Mental Health Community Forum (SOLD OUT)
UPDATE:
The event is at capacity, but will be live-streamed here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vb3ki-b6OE&feature=youtu.be
In partnership with the County’s Behavioral Health Division, First 5 Contra Costa is sponsoring an Early Childhood Mental Health Community Forum on Saturday, November 2 in Pittsburg. Not only will this be a great opportunity to hear about community needs for children with social and emotional challenges, but it marks an important step in our partnership with Behavioral Health in better understanding the prevention benefits of addressing children in the earliest years.
PERFECT FOR FAMILIES (AND PROVIDERS)
We invite you to lend your voice to the conversation on how to support positive mental health in young children and to learn about the importance of acting early to improve future mental health outcomes. Input gathered will be used in preparation for the Contra Costa County Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Three Year Program and Expenditure Plan for fiscal years 2020-2023.
- Information on local resources
- Complimentary continental breakfast, light lunch, and refreshments to be provided
* * *
Pittsburg Senior Center
300 Presidio Lane, Pittsburg
Saturday, November 2, 2019
10am to 1pm
On-site registration begins at 9:30am
Live-stream available: https://youtu.be/SJDOykDyl44
* * *
Contact the MHSA Office in advance if you need language translation services, directions on how to access public transportation, or any other reasonable accommodations at (925) 957-2617.
Contact Daryn Nabeta at First 5 Contra Costa, for questions about food at dnabeta@first5coco.org.
Please arrive by 9:30am to allow time for check in and registration. The program will start promptly at 10am.
Contra Costa County: Get Your Taxes Done for Free
It’s tax season again and there is a way to help qualifying filers file their taxes for free!
Every tax season the United Way Bay Area teams up with local nonprofits to lead the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) coalition to provide free tax-filing services to clients with a household income under $55,000.
Eligible clients with income under $55,000 are able to take advantage of tax credits that are linked to breaking the cycle of poverty; such as the Federal and State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). To receive these services, clients can find a tax site near them at www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org and filter through over 200 free tax sites in the Bay Area.
- For additional help in navigating the system, call 211 and an operator can assist you.
- CLICK HERE for a printable and downloadable document with more information about the program and what to bring to a VITA site (in English and Spanish).
- To learn more about Earn It! Keep It! Save It! (EKS), click here to visit www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org
Help Solve Child Care Facility Shortage
C
ontra Costa County has a shortage of child care slots and facilities, and a new assessment underway will both illuminate the severity of the problem and offer solutions. The Contra Costa County Local Planning and Advisory Council is leading the assessment and we’re proud to be a sponsor.
The data gathering process includes a community stakeholder survey to help identify potential partners and untapped facilities that could potentially house licensed child care programs. The community survey is for business leaders, developers, faith-based organizations, city planning departments, large nonprofit organizations and realtors.
If you know people through your personal or professional networks representing these groups, please share the survey link with them. The more input we receive, the more solutions we can devise to solve this critical issue for kids and our community.
Click here to view the Contra Costa County Early Care and Education Facilities Stakeholder Survey.