OCTOBER 2019

Trauma-Informed Kern County concludes 2nd annual cohort

Many of the programs funded by First 5 Kern are not exclusive to one organization, but instead focus on a collaborative systems-change approach. This means the intent of the program is to bring together many different partners to work together towards a common effort. One such effort is Trauma-Informed Kern County (TIKC). In its second year, TIKC brings together dozens of representatives from healthcare, community agencies, education, and human services agencies to develop a different approach in dealing with clients. As research grows on the impacts of trauma, toxic stress, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in guiding health and behavior, this work becomes increasingly effective in building communities that will be healthier and more resilient. Marc Thibault is the project lead, and along with Dr. Lisa Conradi, they have presented four full-day sessions as a part of the TIKC 2nd annual cohort.

WATCH: Trauma-Informed Kern County

Did you know... First 5 Kern lends financial support to over 40 programs throughout Kern County, with a focus on programs supporting children aged 0-5, and their families.   SEE THE FULL LIST OF FIRST 5 KERN FUNDED PROGRAMS

October is SIDS Awareness Month October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. Local hospitals are striving to get as much information out during this month to new parents on providing a safe sleep environment for babies. This comes on the heels of Memorial Hospital being recognized as a Gold Safe Sleep Champion by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program. Their adherence to best practices and parent education efforts on infant safe sleep made them just the second hospital in all of California to receive that honor. More resources on Safe Sleep and SIDS can be found on the Kern County Department of Public Health website. Safe Sleep info from the Kern County Public Health Department

SIDS Info on First5Kern.org The First 5 Kern website is also a good resource for Safe Sleep information. The Safe Sleep page contains links to fliers, Kern County Public Health information, and other sources of SIDS news. Click the images below to download fliers.

First 5 Kern Commission meets Wednesday, Oct. 2 The commission for First 5 Kern will meet on Wednesday, October 2 at 2 p.m. at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools headquarters in downtown Bakersfield. The agenda for this meeting includes a presentation on the 2018-19 fiscal year state annual report, among other discussions. Agendas for each commission meeting are posted in advance on the front page of the First 5 Kern website.

Family-Friendly Halloween Fun, All Month Long! Looking for something to do with the little ones to celebrate Halloween? First 5 Kern has compiled a list of family-friendly spooktacular events on our website. If your organization is hosting a Halloween event, email us for consideration to be added to the list. Keep checking back, as we will update it throughout the month.

Visit the First 5 Kern Halloween Event Page

NEW AGENCIES NEEDED FOR EAST BAKERSFIELD AND SOUTH CHESTER COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVES

The East Bakersfield and South Chester Community Collaboratives are looking for new leadership after a change in operational direction at Bakersfield City School District. Staffing and program changes have shifted personnel, and those collaboratives are no longer able to be supported. The collaboratives serve an important function for their neighborhoods, bringing agencies together in an effort to create awareness for services used by members of those communities. Operation of the collaboratives includes planning and organizing monthly meetings, scheduling speakers and crafting an agenda, posting minutes from the meetings, and compiling information for distribution to the community members. If your agency is interested in either hosting or organizing either of the collaboratives moving forward, please contact Alexis Shaw with the Kern County Network for Children at (661) 636-4993.

East Kern School Readiness First 5 Express visit video The First 5 Express rolled through Kern County early in September, visiting childcare centers in Mojave and Boron - both funded by First 5 Kern. The focus of the Express is Talk. Read. Sing., and they engage children in fun activities, as well as provide goodie bags to take with them afterwards.

Watch the video

Free First 5 resources for parents

Talk. Read. Sing. bookmarks! Watch for First 5 Kern at community events and make sure you pick up a bookmark for the kids! The bookmarks feature Franco, Orson and Melody, the three brainy birds who promote Talk. Read. Sing. for First 5 California. The bookmarks are also available in the First 5 Kern office if interested in bulk quantities.

Kit for New Parents The Kit for New Parents are a long-standing offering of First 5 California - as well as a helpful gift for a brand-new parent. The kits come with a health guide, resource listings, a baby book and a grocery tote. To order one-or to order many for your program- visit the First 5 Kern website.

First 5 Kern ph: 661.328.8888 www.First5Kern.org

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