First 5 San Bernardino Announces Community Funding To Improve Critical Child Services Countywide
Deadline to submit applications set for July 21, 2006
San Bernardino, CA (PRWEB) May 27, 2006 -–
As part of its efforts to provide quality programs and services for young children and their families, First 5 San Bernardino Commission today approved $9 million in funding to support local community organizations.
The funding will focus on improving prenatal care services, health care access and special needs programs countywide over the next three years.
“These investments will improve local services and help ensure our county’s children are entering the world and being raised healthy,” said First 5 San Bernardino County Executive Director Richard Jarvis. “It also provides First 5 San Bernardino with the opportunity to work more collaboratively and effectively within our communities, which is a priority for the Commission.” In March and April, First 5 San Bernardino conducted community meetings for the purpose of engaging local residents, parents and community-based organizations in discussing funding area priorities.
More than 15 community meetings throughout San Bernardino County’s six regions were held, and more than 400 residents participated. Such community feedback guided the Commission to target funding toward improving prenatal care, health care access and special needs programs countywide.
Organizations and individuals interested in applying for the community funding opportunities up to $100,000 annually are encouraged to attend one of the three workshops based on their area of focus:
•Thursday, June 1, 2006 – Health Care Access
•Tuesday, June 6, 2006 – Prenatal Care Services
•Tuesday, June 13, 2006 – Programs for Children with Special Needs
The workshops will be held from 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM at the Clarion Hotel, 295 N. E. Street in San Bernardino. To request a space, please call 386-7706.
To obtain a copy of the application, please visit, www. first5sanbernardino. org. Applications are due by Friday, July 21, 2006.
“From the beginning of this process we have listened to the concerns of families and used our resources to help address their needs,” said First 5 San Bernardino Commissioner and County Supervisor, Josie Gonzales. “Their input has helped us to identify the type of programs and services they need and value. We are taking a significant step today as we work with the community to provide those specific programs and services countywide for families with young children."
As part of its goal to improve local child care, the Commission also voted to approve $800,000 in funding to support its 2nd annual Make a Difference Day (MADD) efforts. The funding will be used for new playground equipment for seven selected child care sites countywide.
For more information about the workshops, community or MADD funding opportunities or other First 5 San Bernardino programs, please call 386-7706 or visit www. first5sanbernardino. org.
First 5 San Bernardino Research shows that a child’s brain develops most dramatically in the first five years and what parents and caregivers do during these years to support their child’s growth will have a meaningful impact throughout life.
First 5 San Bernardino, in partnership with 47 contracted service agencies, provides a variety of programs and services designed to promote, support and enhance the early development of children prenatal through age 5 in San Bernardino County.
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