Community Advisory Councils also present their overall findings and recommendations to the First 5 Contra Costa Commission
On Saturday, May 31, First 5 Contra Costa hosted the Community Advisory Council (CAC) end-of-year celebration. This annual event gives CAC members an opportunity to present their data collection efforts, share lessons learned and successes, and connect with colleagues across the multiple First Center locations in the county.
In partnership with the First 5 Centers, each CAC—composed of volunteer parents and caregivers attending or participating in services at the Center—serves as the community “voice” to inform each Center’s planning and implementation of programs and activities through community assessment and community engagement.
At the celebration, the CACs from each Center presented their overall findings and recommendation areas after their year-long process of data collection and reflection.
During the celebration, CACs from each Center shared their key findings and recommendations from FY 24-25:
Antioch:
- Increase access to Concrete Support that is essential for individuals in need of emotional well-being and stability, especially during difficult times.
- Enhance Parental Resilience by strengthening the mental, emotional, and physical capabilities of parents to cope with stress, overcome challenges, and thrive in the face of adversity.
Delta:
- Develop Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development with focuses on managing realistic expectations for our children’s behavior, discipline techniques, and using technology as tools.
- Develop Parental Resilience with focuses on managing parental triggers, different parenting styles, and outside influences bombarding our mental health and family lifestyles.
Monument:
- Support Social & Emotional Competence of Children by helping parents and caregivers develop and model healthy communication habits at home, especially during conflict.
- Support Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development by supporting parents in recognizing and creating age-appropriate opportunities for their children to develop leadership skills.
East:
- Create Parental Resilience through developing spaces to promote spaces for parental well-being.
- Build Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development through couples or co-parenting experiences.
West:
- Build Social Connections & Parental Resilience by strengthening parental self-coping, problem-solving, and nurturing skills through fostering strong connections and meaningful relationships among families and community partners.
- Support Parental Resilience & Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development by increasing knowledge of ways for caregivers to self-regulate through resources and training to understand and resolve their children’s emotions.
During the coming fiscal year, Center staff will begin integrating the CACs’ recommended focus areas into their work to better address the needs voiced by families. To conclude the celebration, members were honored with awards and recognition for their dedication and commitment, along with a thank-you gift from First 5 Contra Costa in appreciation of their valuable contributions.
Presenting to the Commission:
On June 9, the CAC presented their findings and recommendations to the First 5 Contra Costa Commission Meeting, an annual tradition. The Commission expressed deep appreciation to the CAC members for their efforts to engage other families and to suggest ways to enhance family resilience in their communities.
Commissioners noted themes common across CAC data and recommendations, including the importance of father involvement, technology safety for young children, the prevalence of intergenerational trauma & toxic stress, and the centrality of social-emotional competence and well-being for both children and caregivers. The First 5 Contra Costa Commission and staff look forward to seeing their recommendations implemented this next year.
Click here to review the presentation to the commission, including CAC’s work and recommendations.