Organization receives proclamation from the State of California Department of Education commending 25 years of service
First 5 San Bernardino celebrated 25 years of serving young children and families on November 14 at the historic Fox Theater in Redlands, California, where they received a proclamation from the State of California Department of Education in Commendation of 25 years of service. The event brought together local leaders, partners and advocates to reflect on the organization’s milestones and its continued mission to support our county’s children ages 0-5 and their families.
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond attended the event as a guest and keynote speaker and presented the commendation to First 5 San Bernardino Executive Director Karen Scott. His remarks recognized the positive outcomes of the projects and initiatives the organization has supported over the past 25 years.
“What First 5 San Bernardino does matters so much. This county has the greatest diversity, the greatest growth, certainly the greatest people and the greatest opportunity,” said Thurmond. “We have an opportunity to make sure that children have access to nutrition, early education, learning to read and more. It starts with what happens here in San Bernardino.”
Keynote speaker Ted Lempert, President of Children Now, and special guest Dr. Nadine Burke Harris (virtual), Founder of the Center for Youth Wellness and Former Surgeon General of California, shared powerful insights about the importance of early childhood support.
The celebration also recognized six individuals who received the Local Champion Award, individuals or organizations who’ve made a difference in the lives of local families. Another six awards were granted to partners who earned the San Bernardino County Partner Award, organizations with likeminded goals of uplifting our county’s families in need.
“We know that raising children can oftentimes take a village, so we are proud to have been able to stand alongside in support of our county’s families for so many years,” said Karen Scott, Executive Director of First 5 San Bernardino. “This anniversary event was a chance for us to look back at all we have done, what we still have left to do, and most of all, recognize the organizations that we have worked with for 25 years to provide our families with the best resources possible.”
Since its founding in 1999, First 5 San Bernardino has focused on empowering parents and caregivers through a broad network of county partnerships that offer vital family support services. Together with these partners, the organization helps ensure that every child in San Bernardino County has the opportunity for a strong start and a better life.
Watch the event video at this link and follow our story at First5SanBernardino.org and @first5sanbernardino.