Our Impact | First 5 Fresno

Why We Do It

Community Impact

For over two decades, First 5 Fresno has invested more than $548 million to fill gaps in our local service system so that families raising young children have access to the supports they deserve. As stewards of public funding, we operate primarily behind-the-scenes, working directly with the people, policies, and programs representing the many agencies, organizations, and businesses that, in turn, directly support children and families.

Over the next five years, tobacco consumption is expected to decline by approximately 8%-10% per year. This reality, coupled with the passage of Proposition 31 to ban the sales of flavored tobacco products in 2022, necessitates alternative revenue strategies to fulfill the vision of a comprehensive, accessible, and collaborative system of services for young children and their families. First 5 Fresno has a strong history of leveraging public and philanthropic funding and we are committed to increasing our capacity to leverage current and new funding opportunities while actively decreasing our reliance on tobacco tax revenues. The reality is that while funding streams change, the need for an equitable early childhood service system remains.

…And our families are worthy of nothing less than our collective commitment to transforming the system to work for all.

Child-Friendly Business Awards

A Primary Initiative

The Child-Friendly Business of the Year Award, one of newest award categories of the Valley Business Awards, is a partnership between First 5 Fresno County and the Fresno County Chamber of Commerce. Each year, this award is bestowed upon a local business that goes above and beyond to ensure their culture allows workers to do their best on the job and at home with their children and families.

Lighthouse for Children

A Beacon for Families

The Lighthouse for Children, Inc., a 501 3(c) non-profit, was created to build the Lighthouse for Children facility (LFC). The LFC is a centralized hub of programs, services, and training spaces supporting young children and their families. Community partners offer families a learning environment where they feel safe, supported, and prioritized. This three-story community building houses the Child Development Center, the Community Learning Center, conferencing, office space for community agencies, and First 5 Fresno County’s administrative offices.

Infant Safe Sleep Program

Ensuring Safer and Comfortable Sleep

Sleep Safe Baby is a movement funded by First 5 Fresno County to help families in Fresno keep their babies sleeping safer and comfortable. We do this by raising awareness, knowledge, and support to shift cultural norms and everyday sleep practices and reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS or SUIDS) in the Fresno Community.

Advocacy

First 5 Fresno County engages with decision-makers at all levels to promote family-centered policies that improve the well-being of children. We advocate for our county’s youngest residents and their families to ensure they have the support to thrive in school and life.

Rooted in a whole child/whole family framework focusing on children prenatal to 5 years old, we hope to be a conduit for change during this critical stage of development—building comprehensive and integrated early childhood systems of care that advance equity, prevention strategies, and systems coordination.

Policy Agenda

As a part of the First 5 Association Policy Committee and in partnership with all 58 California counties, we create, adopt, and support the First 5 Association Policy Agenda. Our advocacy efforts focus on supporting legislation and policies that center our priorities in a whole child/whole family framework.