"The North Modesto Family Resource Center, along with other similar programs funded by First 5 Stanislaus across the County, provides valuable lifelong connections, opportunities, and assistance to the individuals they serve every day."
Lasting Change, Strategic Accomplishments
This year marked the final year of our 2019-2024 strategic plan. As we close out this strategic plan and look ahead at implementing a new one, we take a moment to reflect on the amazing work we have been able to do in partnership with our community. We have spent almost $17,000,000 serving over 31,000 children prenatal through 5 and almost 57,000 family members/caregivers over the last five years. We look forward to growing this work and continuing to serve our youngest and most vulnerable members.
In the 2023-2024 Annual Report to the Community, you will find the accomplishments of our First 5 team in collaboration with our amazing community partners. Over the past year, we continued open communication with partners, community organization, and families to continue to support them in the best way possible. We provided basic needs to our community with items such as books, diapers, and wipes. We increased our focus on literacy by distributing more books to children through our various partners. We continued to build our social media presence to support parents with tools and resources they can access from home. The First 5 staff participated in various community outreach events to increase visibility and bring awareness. Finally, we redesigned our work to ensure we meet the diverse needs of our community.
We are honored to have had the opportunity to work in partnership with providers to build the early childhood system and steward precious public resources on behalf of the county’s youngest children. Our annual report captures just the tip of the iceberg of the tremendous work we have done over the past year, in collaboration with our partners, and we hope that the stories bring to life our passion for the serving our county.
For the past six years I have facilitated various classes/groups for First 5 Stanislaus. Classes include: the Spanish Bavolek: Nurturing Parent class (Crianza con Cariño), Abriendo Puertas (Opening Doors), Parent Café, and PlanetBaby!. I also complete Developmental Screenings for the little ones up to the age of five and provided resources and referrals as needed.
In my parenting classes I always tell the parents, "Our children are not born with manuals" and what works for one child may not work for others. I have been able to empower parents/caregivers and provide needed support for them to thrive and better themselves.
What I find the most rewarding is seeing both the parents/caregivers and children thrive. Seeing them succeed and grow is very rewarding. The children who participate in the classes and groups offered through First 5 Stanislaus do much better at transitioning for school rather than those who don't. Being a part of their success warms my heart.
I feel that the programs through First 5 Stanislaus promote, support, and optimize early childhood development. Families receive the best possible start in life to help them thrive. We can provide resources and services to families that they wouldn't be able to do on their own but with our help they are able to achieve their long term goals.
Family resource centers are a one stop shop. People can come in for one thing and get help for a lot of other things. They won't regret coming and joining our groups and classes. Not only will they make lifelong friends but they will also learn new information and take advantage of our services and resources.
I find the connections with other moms that are going through the same thing the most beneficial from being a part of PlanetBaby!. I enjoy being a part of a group with moms who can relate to me.
PlanetBaby! Helped me prepare for the delivery process and first steps of parenthood in various ways. The group helped me know the health benefits and even brought in a nurse from where I was going to give birth. The nurse helped prepare us by telling us what we can take to the hospital. The also provided us sessions on lactation which greatly helped me because they told us all the benefits of breastfeeding and helped us better understand which left us reassured.
PlanetBaby! has made a great impact on my parenting experience. I learned about postpartum right before I was going to give birth. The group helped me identify the changes I was experiencing, which prevented me from facing significant challenges during the postpartum period. It meant a lot to have support in taking the steps to avoid the challenges that can come with the postpartum period.
I love PlanetBaby! and am very grateful for the group especially when we gather in person, and when we dedicate time for our mental health. Overall, it was very beneficial to know what to expect when expecting.
We are providing opportunity and positive change to families through Stanislaus County.
Children, parents, and providers reached through First 5 Stanislaus and its partners.
The caregivers of 5,988 children received family support services through First 5 Stanislaus funded programs.
The caregivers of 1,222 children increased their skills and knowledge after attending parenting classes.
97% of parents and caregivers participating in advocacy training reported increased knowledge and skills.
826 families of children 0-5 increased the time spent reading with their children at home after receiving literacy services.
3,335 children 0-5 who received literacy services were given a book to take home and build upon the skills they and their families learned.
301 children 0-5 were screened for educational developmental issues.
Families of 5,988 children have increased knowledge and use of community resources.
Ethnicity of Participants Served in First 5 Programs*
57% of participants served through First 5 Stanislaus are from Hispanic, Asian, African American, or multi-racial population groups.
* Data reported by Proposition 10 funded programs in Stanislaus County
Basic needs continue to be difficult for families to afford. In an effort to support areas of need for families with children 0-5, First 5 Stanislaus distributed supplies to Family Resource Centers and community partners for them to make available to their participants. In Fiscal Year 2023-2024, supplies included:
New Parent Kits
Books
Diapers
First 5 engages families to empower change through our outstanding partnerships in Stanislaus County. In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, First 5 funded 18 Family Resource Centers in our community, with 8 of these located on school sites. Each center provides workshops, classes, and groups for caregivers, providers, and children.
Some of the workshops, groups, and classes we offer include: advocacy and parent leadership, prenatal through 5 parent groups, parenting classes, school preparedness, and literacy.
The report for the 2023/2024 fiscal year not only marks the end of the fiscal year but also the launch of our new strategic plan. This report showcases our achievements and offers valuable insights into our progress over the year. As we move into the 2024-2029 strategic plan, we are excited to build upon this foundation. Our new vision is to "Promote the importance of the first five years of life and strengthen community partner capacity through collaboration, funding, advocacy, and support to serve young children and their families so that every child in Stanislaus County thrives." We look forward to embracing new opportunities and continuing our commitment to ensuring children in Stanislaus County thrive.
First 5 is dedicated to fostering literacy and sparking imagination for children in Stanislaus County through its partnership with the Stanislaus County Office of Education Charitable Foundation via the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. Children living in Stanislaus County who are up to the age of 5 receive a free book each month through this initiative. This year, 1,486 books were distributed to children under 5. Our partnership aims to build libraries at home, increase the love of reading, and increase reading time with family.
First 5 Stanislaus partners with many organizations in the community to promote and encourage safety. First 5 Stanislaus serves on the Safe Kids Stanislaus board to raise awareness about preventable injuries in our community. One notable event focused on child safety was the Modesto Children’s Museum Bike N' Trike event held in June. Staff distributed First 5 crayons, bike safety books, and an educational coloring book on bike safety to children. This event was an excellent opportunity to share information about our resources and educate children on the importance of bike safety.
First 5 advances early childhood through Early Care and Education Conferences. These conferences are offered in collaboration with the Stanislaus County Office of Education. Four Early Care and Education Conferences were held within the year offered both in English and Spanish. The topics covered included Play It Forward and Moving Forward, Belonging-By Way of Culture and Connection, Process Art and it's benefits in Social Emotional Growth and Diversity and Inclusion Education, and Music and movement. A total of 517 participants attended our Early Care and Education Conferences.
Nurturing our community is key to ensuring the children in our community thrive. With that being said, First 5 Stanislaus has participateds in the conversations for Cradle to Career. The Stanislaus Cradle to Career Partnership believes that every child has the potential to achieve their full educational success, regardless of race, ethnicity, or family income. Every student should have the opportunity to earn a postsecondary certificate, credential, or college degree and to secure a meaningful, self-sustaining job in early adulthood. The Stanislaus Cradle to Career Partnership is structured around effective, high-impact strategies designed to drive progress in our key outcome areas. Each initiative has clear, targeted outcomes and is led by a diverse team of practitioners and community experts dedicated to fostering change.
I like seeing my children enjoying the sessions because they connect better with the other kids and engage in the activities provided. Before I started taking them to the group, my daughter wouldn’t socialize with other children; she only wanted to be with her mom. Now, she interacts with other children and has learned to share, which she didn't do before. The stories and activities dedicate time to each child, ensuring their participation. The facilitators focus on both group and individual attention to see if the children are following the stories. The activities have taught them things like colors and given each child time to express themselves. The facilitators take the time with each child to help them understand story time and its purpose, encouraging participation while respecting each child's imagination. I appreciate how they take the time for every child and observe what they are thinking and imagining during story time.
I enjoy being a participant of Play & Grow because of the support I receive from other parents and from being a part of a group. I mostly enjoy being able to participate with my kids and with other parents and their kids.
The interactive activities from Play & Grow benefit my kids by helping them develop learning skills. For example, the activities show them how to listen, how to color, and how to interact with other kids. Overall, it has helped them develop abilities for different motor skills.
Play & Grow consists of various aspects that benefit the community. It gives kids the opportunity to make friends and interact with each other. I have had the opportunity to make friendships with other moms that I now make plans with outside of our Play & Grow group. It has helped prepare my kids for both preschool and kindergarten. My son just started TK and he felt much more confident in starting school. He was happy to start and did not have any difficulties with starting school and being on his own.
I strongly recommend participating in the groups offered by First 5 Stanislaus. They provide an excellent opportunity for kids to develop social skills. As busy parents, we often find it challenging to set aside time for activities with our children at home. Attending these groups ensures that dedicated time is spent engaging with our kids.
Improved Family Functioning (Family Support, Education, and Services) | $2,206,390 | (48%) | |
Improved Child Development (Child Development Services) | $30,000 | (1%) | |
Improved Systems of Care | $48,500 | (1%) | |
Administration | $698,351 | (16%) | |
Evaluation | $22,896 | (1%) | |
Other Programs (Includes Contingency Fund) | $1,453,115 | (33%) |
2023 | 2024 | |
Revenues | ||
Program revenues | $4,623,662 | $4,362,993 |
General revenues | $184,483 | $738,221 |
Total revenues | $4,808,145 | $5,101,214 |
Total Expenses | $2,637,219 | $3,159,642 |
Change in Net Position | $2,170,926 | $1,941,572 |
Beginning net position | $10,908,435 | $13,079,361 |
Assets | ||
Current assets | $13,759,113 | $15,807,175 |
Right-to-use assets, net of Accumulated depreciation | $91,296 | $63,186 |
Total assets | $13,850,409 | $15,870,361 |
Total Deferred Outflows of Resources | $206,119 | $275,841 |
Liabilities | ||
Current liabilities | $231,568 | $301,098 |
Noncurrent liabilities | $704,404 | $797,089 |
Total liabilities | $935,972 | $1,098,187 |
Total Deferred Inflows of Resources | $41,195 | $27,082 |
Net Position | ||
Net investment in capital assets | -$1,629 | -$1,889 |
Restricted net position | $13,080,990 | $15,022,822 |
Total net position | $13,079,361 | $15,020,933 |
(as of June 30, 2024)