First 5 Merced County - We're Glad You're Here

For nearly a decade, First 5 Merced County and its numerous community partners, have been enhancing the lives of our youngest children so they can succeed in school…and thrive in life.

Because nothing matters more.

Research has thoroughly confirmed it – a child’s brain develops most dramatically during the earliest years of life. And so too, the greatest opportunities we have to support our kids’ future success reside in these first years, the first 5 years.

There is now unprecedented attention to early childhood health and development throughout California and the nation.

And, we are proud to be part of the movement that places children where they belong, at the very top of our priority list.

First 5 Merced County provides leadership, coordination, advocacy, and funding to support a wide range of local programs. From Planada to Los Banos, and Stevinson to Merced — and in all the diverse communities throughout the county—our efforts have a singular goal: To ensure that our kids have the best foundation for success we can possibly provide.

That’s why we are here, doing what we’re doing. Working diligently, together with our many community partners, united by a commitment to our children.



Contributions To Our Community

While much remains to be done and new challenges arise almost daily, we are proud of our accomplishments to date.

  • Since our inception, First 5 Merced County has provided over $32 million in funding to support local Merced County programs and services.
  • Because First 5 funds cannot be used to replace other existing funding streams, First 5 Merced County supports only critical services for which no other public funds exist.
  • Through the strengths of our community partners, literally thousands of Merced County children and families have been served:
    • Services provided to children (birth – 5 years): 395,000
    • Services provided to parents/expectant parents/caregivers of children 0 – 5 years: 47,000
  • Funding has been provided to 34 different agencies (64 programs) and organizations to support services in nearly every community throughout the county.
  • First 5 Merced County has minimized costs to administer First 5 funds (to less than 6% for 2007/08).
  • First 5 Merced County has maximized funds going into the community, while creating a minimal reserve and assuring stability of funding over time.
  • Committed, stable leadership has been provided by our 9-member Commission, representing the diverse needs in our communities.
Child-Art
A child enjoying the free art activities at the “Plug-In to the Power of Preschool” event, Los Banos, October 2007.

News and Upcoming Events

 

Merced County Children's Summit: The 7th Annual summit will be held on March 23, 2010, starting at 10:00 AM at St. Patricks Parish in Merced. The keynote speaker will be Mr. Jerry Tello, Director of the National Latino Fatherhood and Family Institute. Click here to download Registration materials or click here to download Children's Summit Flyer. For more information, contact First 5 Merced County at 385-7337.

Children's Bill of Rights for Merced County: First 5 Merced County is facilitating a development process for a Children's Bill of Rights! Public input on the Bill is accepted through February 10, 2010. Click on the "Children's Bill of Rights" button on the First 5 website for more information.

First 5 Joint Funding Partnerships Program: First 5 Merced County is please to provide funding through its Joint Funding Partnerships Program to leverage and coordinate additional funds and services for children 0-5 years. Information on the three Partnership opportunities (Joint Grantmaking, Cash Match Commitments, and Augmentation Funding) is available by clicking on the "Funding Opportunities" button on the First 5 website.

Event Sponsorship Funding: First 5 Merced County is please to provide funding for community events that support its vision and mission. Awards up to $750 are available for eligible events. More information is available by clicking on the "Funding Opportunities" button on the First 5 website.

Commission Meeting: First 5 Merced County will hold its Commission meeting on March 8, 2010, at 5:30 PM at the First 5 Merced County office, 676 Loughborough Drive. Merced, CA 95348.

First 5 TPAC (Technical/Professional Advisory Committee) Meeting: The First 5 TPAC meeting will be held on Thursday, March 18th from 2-4 PM at the First 5 Offices.

 

 

 

 

 


Resources for Parents
For parent information, please visit First 5 California's new website, First 5 CA Parents' Site.
To Contact Us
First 5 Merced County
676 Loughborough Drive
Merced, CA 95348
Phone: 209-385-7337
Fax: 209-725-3778
website: http://www.First5MercedCounty.org