First 5 Sacramento reports key successes in child and family support programs

The First 5 Sacramento meeting held on April 7, 2025, focused on reviewing the organization's priority areas and evaluating the impact of its programs aimed at supporting families with young children. The meeting began with an overview of the evaluation goals, emphasizing a results-based accountability framework that measures program effectiveness through specific indicators.

The first agenda item highlighted the overall reach of First 5 Sacramento's funded programs, which served nearly 6,000 children and 11,000 caregivers, marking a 5% increase from the previous fiscal year. The data indicated that 14% of families engaged in multiple service areas, showcasing the organization's commitment to providing a comprehensive network of resources.

Next, the meeting addressed participant demographics, revealing that approximately one-third of those receiving direct services spoke a primary language other than English. Notably, 60% of the children served were Hispanic, Latino, or Black, significantly higher than the countywide proportion of 38%. The discussion also included insights from families regarding their parenting practices, with many reporting positive engagement with their children.

The meeting then transitioned to specific priority areas, starting with health initiatives. The WIC breastfeeding support program reached over 2,200 participants, with more than half of those surveyed reporting exclusive breastfeeding at six months, exceeding statewide averages. The discussion also included the Be Mom Aware campaign, which aims to reduce stigma around maternal mental health in African American communities.

The second priority area focused on early care and learning, where programs aimed to ensure children are ready for kindergarten. The PBM strategy provided support to over 200 early educators, benefiting more than 1,000 children. Additionally, First 5 funded school districts served over 3,700 children through various activities, including playgroups and parent education workshops.

The third priority area, empowered families, highlighted the Birth and Beyond Family Resource Centers, which served nearly 4,000 families. The home visiting program demonstrated significant success, with participants showing a reduced likelihood of experiencing child protective services involvement. The Sacramento Crisis Nursery also provided critical support, serving 344 children and helping families navigate crises.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored First 5 Sacramento's ongoing commitment to equity and the effectiveness of its programs in supporting families. The organization plans to continue its efforts in addressing the needs of diverse communities and enhancing the well-being of children and their caregivers. Future meetings will further explore specific initiatives, including the reduction of African American child deaths.