A message brought to you by First 5 Sacramento, the Children and Families Commission.
Remember how things used to be when you were growing up, when kids played outside together and neighbors knew each other? Would you like to get to know your neighbors and share activities together with your children? The First 5 Sacramento Commission, a local leader in supporting programs for young children, offers a grant program that can help you do just that.
First 5 Sacramento Community Grants of up to $5,000 each are available for activities that benefit young children ages 0-5 and help get families interacting with one another. There are numerous benefits to building a connected community for yourselves and your children. Some of the benefits include:
• Living in a safer, healthier community. Studies show that children do better in school, life expectancy is increased, and community violence is decreased.
• Having valuable support networks to rely on. Parents and other community members can exchange information, learn from each other, and share important tips and resources.
• Being a part of a community where people are more likely to look out for each other and help each other. The advantages are wide ranging, from neighbors looking out for the kids playing outside, to babysitting, carpooling, and helping each other in emergencies, illness and other times of need. These connections also enable people to come together to address or fix any issues of concern for the neighborhood or community.
The First 5 Sacramento Community Grants fund a range of creative, community driven projects. Activities can last for up to one year, and can be fun and simple. In the past, the Commission has funded weekly playgroups, monthly arts and crafts activities, community gardening projects, book clubs, and more. The activities that are funded by the Commission are truly the vehicle to get those valuable interactions and relationships going over time.
A simple application is required, and three people in Sacramento County must come together to plan and implement the ideas. The grant process is easy, and assistance with the application is just a phone call away. How would you like to get local families with children ages 0-5 together? For more information, please contact 876-5865 or visit www.First5Sacramento.net.
About First 5 Sacramento
California voters passed Proposition 10 in 1998, adding a 50 cents-per-pack tax on cigarettes to support programs for expectant parents and children ages zero to five. First 5 Sacramento distributes approximately $17 million a year in Prop. 10 revenues to programs and services that meet local needs. For information on First 5 Sacramento programs call 916-876-5865 or visit First 5 Sacramento at www.First5Sacramento.net.