First 5 Contra Costa’s 25-year history celebrated and recognized in proclamation from Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors

A diverse group of adults, some holding certificates, stand together and smile inside a modern meeting room with wood paneling and an American flag in the background.

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors proclaimed their commitment to children ages 0-5 and their families and celebrated the 25th anniversary of First 5 Contra Costa. County officials, First 5 Commissioners, and leaders from community and business organizations gathered at the Board of Supervisors’ meeting in Martinez on September 24 to recognize the role First 5 Contra Costa has played in improving the outcomes for the most underserved families with young children in our county.

First 5 Contra Costa has invested over $140 million to support families and young children in reaching their full potential over the last 25 years as a funder, convener, advocate, and leader in early childhood systems.

People stand and present to officials in a wood-paneled council chamber. A large screen displays Investing in Childrens Most Critical Years with a smiling woman and child. An American flag and seal are visible.

“I am excited and proud to be here with some of our staff, Commissioners and community partners. I stand here today representing all of them and our many other partners who could not attend today, and all of those who have worked with us in the past to invest in children’s most critical years – those first 5 years of life,” shared Dr. Ruth Fernández, First 5 Contra Costa Executive Director. “As we continue to add to this legacy of 25 years, we look forward to deepening how we all work together to make sure we are all wisely investing in our children’s most critical years and ensuring a brighter future for all in our county.”

A man in a suit stands next to a woman holding a certificate, both smiling at the camera. Several people stand in the background, clapping and watching in a formal indoor setting.

First 5 Contra Costa was also presented with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from the office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. “I would like to take this moment to congratulate First 5 Contra Costa on its outstanding work over the past 25 years,” said Ryan-Thomas Brown, Deputy District Director from the office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. “With the Congressman being one of the original commissioners of First 5, it’s always held a special place in his heart and the continued outreach, community service, and good that is done for early childhood education, both in training educators, program coordinators, parents, and the greater community as a whole is something to be absolutely commended.”

A group of people stand smiling indoors in front of a First 5 FI-branded backdrop; one man holds a framed document. The group is dressed in business attire.