First 5 Mariposa County, also known as the Children and Families Commission, Mariposa County, was created in 1999 to evaluate the current and projected needs of young children and their families, develop a strategic plan that describes how the community needs will be addressed, determine how to expend local First 5 resources, and evaluate the effectiveness of programs and activities funded in accordance with the strategic plan. The actions of the Commission are guided by the needs of Mariposa children and families. The vision and mission as outlined in the strategic plan serve as a roadmap for achieving successful outcomes for children and their families in Mariposa.

Contact Jeane Hetland Director Email: PO Box 966 5284 Hwy. 49 N. Suite #2 Mariposa, CA  95338 Ph: (209) 742-5437 Fx: (209) 742-5439

     
  About the First 5 Commission

The ultimate goal is to enhance the health and early growth experiences of children, enabling them to be more successful in school and to give them a better opportunity to succeed in life.

  
  How the Commission works

The Commission has a role as a community partner working with agencies and organizations for the benefit of children. In addition, there is a focus is on promoting community support for your children and their families. Third, the commission is a community organizer who works to assist organizations and agencies with common goals in providing services to children 0 to 5 years-of-age.


     
  What the First 5 Commission does

The Commission distributes the revenues from Prop 10 and provides leadership in the community to increase support for young children and families. The First 5 grant program provides opportunities for organizations and agencies to provide services to children and families in health care, preschool, other related services.


       
   Commission Connections

The Commission provides services, activities, and programs to move the community towards the following results:

I. Children will be mentally and physically healthy
II. Children will be ready for school
III. Families will have the knowledge and ability to promote their children’s development
IV. Services will be culturally appropriate, integrated, and collaborative


  
   Funding Opportunities

For the past five years, funding opportunities have been available in March of each year with funding beginning in July through June. After the application was completed and submitted, the applications were read outside of Mariposa County with recommendations for funding made to the Commission. In May and June, the Commission approved the grants for funding (Maxi for $40,000 or less and Mini for $5,000 or less). Then all grant applicants participate in the evaluation process and outcome measures. At the December 8, 2008, Commission meeting, the Commission voted to focus on four areas of funding for 2009.  The focus will be on dental care, health and preschools with an emphasis on sustainability proposals.  Since December, 2008, the Mariposa County First 5 Commission hasn't had the funds to offer a grant application process. With the reduction in birth rates and the First 5 Augmentation (Prop 10 funding), the Commission voted on December 14, 2008, to approve the continued funding of the four current grants:  1) Smart Start Home Visitation Health Program; 
2) Children's Dental Health Program; 3) Acorn Preschool; and 4) Kiwanis Preschool. Each year in April, the four grant recipients submit a Renewal Grant Application packet that includes a program report, budget and budget narrative and the history of the grant. 
  
  School Readiness

The first five years of life are critical to a child’s development. These years shape a child’s success in school and in life. First 5 Mariposa provides parents with literacy, nutritional and kindergarten readiness training and home visits. The Commission is committed to the vision that all Mariposa children will enter kindergarten “Ready to Succeed.”


   
   Community Outreach

The Commission provides a video, literature, parent kits, and First 5 giveaways during the Mariposa Safe at Home Fair, Mariposa County Fair and Harvest Festival.