First 5 and United Way team up statewide to educate families on tax credits through CalEITC, YCTC |
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The First 5 Association and United Ways of California have teamed up to promote a series of tax credits that are designed to return cash back to families with young children at home. |
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The Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) and the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), in addition to the Federal EITC, can provide thousands of dollars to qualifying famlies. |
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The average credit that families receive when they are able to combine the Federal and California EITC, and the YCTC, is $3,000, but some families could receive as much as $8,000.
The CalEITC is a state tax credit for working families making less than $30,000 per year. The YCTC is for California workers with a child under the age of six.
Locally, First 5 Kern has assembled a coalition, including select family resource centers throughout the county and several programs that engage in home visiting, to promote the credits.
"Many of our families in Kern County make less than $30,000 a year, and having the opportunity to get some of that money back is paramount," said First 5 Kern Executive Director Roland Maier. "People just don't know about the credits. There is a lot of money left on the table that our families can use, and we are exited to be a part of promoting this."
Despite over $6 billion being returned to California families in 2020 through the Earned Income Tax Credits, the state has one of the lowest participation rates in the nation. There will be more information available throughout tax season on this effort, and First 5 Kern welcomes the participation of our partners throughout the community in sharing our outreach.
The links below can provide tax assistance information and further details on qualifications.
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Tax CREDIT vs. Tax DEDUCTION...
It's important to note that the EITC and YCTC are credits, not deductions. A deduction can only lower your taxable income, but a credit gives you a larger refund. Certain tax credits can give you a refund even if you have no withholding.
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First 5 Kern February Commission meeting information |
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The First 5 Kern Commission will meet virtually on Wednesday, February 3 at 2:00 p.m.
Topics for the meeting include a presentation from independent evaluator Dr. Jinjung Wang on the 2019-20 Annual Report, and an update from the West Side Outreach and Learning Center.
Visit the First 5 Kern Commission page on our website for information on how to connect and participate.
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February is Safely Surrendered Baby awareness month |
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First 5 Kern is teaming up with the Kern County Department of Human Services and county-wide partners to promote Safely Surrendered Baby Awareness Month in February.
The Safely Surrendered Baby law allows women to legally and safely surrender their newborn baby, up to three days old, to any fire station or emergency room staff throughout the county, no questions asked. The law is intended to be an alternative to abandonment, which is both illegal and unsafe.
Under the law, when a child is surrendered at a participating location, a matching bracelet is given to the child and the mom. The bracelet will connect her back to the surrendered child, should she later have a change of heart within the following two-week window.
An optional family medical history questionnaire is also given to the mother in order to provide a health background on the child, which could prove vital as the child grows up. It's important to note that under the law, the child must be physically handed over to a staff member, not simply left on an emergency room or fire station doorstep.
Since 2006, 84 babies have been safely surrendered in Kern County, including eight babies in 2020 alone. These infants are quick to find forever homes, and are eagerly welcomed by families waiting to adopt.
First 5 Kern is proud to be a part of a coalition of county agencies, hospitals, and first responders who actively promote the Safely Surrendered Baby law in our community.
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Behind the numbers...
In 2001, the first year of the Safely Surrendered Baby law in California, just two babies were safely surrendered while 20 were found abandoned (13 of which died) throughout the state.
In 2018, the most recent year statewide data is available, 79 babies were safely surrendered while not a single infant was found abandoned.
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Governor Newsom appoints two new First 5 California commissioners |
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California Governor Gavin Newsom made two appointments to the First 5 California Commission in January.
California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris has been appointed, and selected to serve as the Commission Chair. Dr. Burke Harris is a pediatrician who is a nationally recognized expert in the field of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the founder of the Center for Youth Wellness. She is pictured here during her visit to Albany Park preschool in Delano in 2019.
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, who oversees the Monterey County Health Department, was also appointed to the commission. The department is known for their HiAP (Health in All Policies) program, which incorporates health considerations as an investment in prevention when making policy decisions.
First 5 California is the umbrella organization that works with all 58 First 5s throughout the state under Proposition 10.
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The First 5 Association announces new website design |
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New to the website is a County Updates page, highlighting initiatives, projects and successes of First 5 commissions, and a Family Stories section sharing stories of California children and families who have been served by First 5 programs. The website also features a section highlighting news and media coverage of First 5s.
Useful resources are also central on the updated site, including a handy California county map that leads to each First 5 commission’s website, a job board featuring listings from commissions around the state, and COVID-19 resources for children and families.
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Compassion Connection events planned for February |
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Resilient Kern is hosting two "Compassion Connection" sessions in February. The two events are scheduled February 10 and February 24, both at 6 p.m.
These sessions are geared toward those who work in the helping professions. Through supporting each other, you can build your own personal resilience. If interested, click the link below to RSVP.
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Wilknica Jefferson is caught in the act of handing out a free First 5 book to a young student's family at
Loudon Elementary School's recent Connecting with Families drive-thru event. First 5 Kern provided books and
early childhood development information to give to families.
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Kern River Valley Family Resource Center sets up in new location |
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The New Year has brought a new address for the Kern River Valley Family Resource Center. Their new location is 6048 Lake Isabella Blvd, suite A, in Lake Isabella (next to True Value).
Due to coronavirus safety measures their doors are not open to the public for walk-ins right now, but staff is working and available if needed. You may reach them by phone at 760-379-2556. The KRV FRC is active in their community; check out the link below for more information on their Facebook page.
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Mountain Communities and Buttonwillow Resource Centers welcome new leadership |
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A pair of Kern County family resource centers have appointed new coordinators in 2021.
The Mountain Communities Family Resource Center (MCFRC) welcomes Lindsay Call as the new coordinator. Lindsay has been with the MCFRC since 2014 when she worked as a family advocate and case manager. From 2016 until 2020 she served as the Board Chair, and then rejoined the office staff in 2020.
The Buttonwillow Community Resource Center welcomes Serena Garcia as the new coordinator. Serena most recently worked with the New Cuyama school district, with multiple positions over the years, including receptionist, billing clerk, and administrative assistant, with a long history of working with families in rural communities.
Both resource centers offer important services to their communities and their experience will be put to good use. Please join us in welcoming both to their new posts!
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Preschool during a pandemic... |
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Buttonwillow Union School district welcomed students back on campus for preschool in January. These images
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Kid-Friendly Recipe: 3-Ingredient No Bake Valentine Treats |
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The kitchen is a great place for kids to learn from a very young age. Measuring ingredients, using utensils, following instructions, even the science between hot and cold, are all opportunities for them to learn - and to get messy. This is a quick, easy, and tasty recipe for your family to try at home!
Ingredients:
- Honey Graham Crackers
- Chocolate Graham Crackers
- White frosting
- Red food coloring
- Sprinkles
Click the link below for the full recipe!
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