Be a Champion for Monterey County Children

Bright BeginningsAdvocacy, Community

Californians cast their vote for Governor and have elected Gavin Newsom, who strongly supports investments in early childhood. This inspires us to keep moving our strategy forward to create equitable systems through coherent public policies that will improve the lives of all children and families.

Here are ways you can keep championing early childhood through policy:

#ProtectFamilies

“Monterey County is built upon strong communities that value families. We believe that the path to citizenship should be paved with stones supportive of families, not made of choices that can pull them apart.”  — Francine Rodd, Executive Director of First 5 Monterey County

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has proposed a new rule that could penalize families in their immigration proceedings if they use public benefits, such as Medicaid for food-stamps, on the basis that they are considered a public charge.

Click here to learn more and to submit your comment about the federal government’s proposed changes to immigration rules by December 10.

Homeless Emergency Aid Programs

Monterey County will receive about $10 million in one-time funds through a California Block Grant. The community is invited to share their vision on how to strengthen the homeless support system. At least 5% of funds must be spent on programs for young people.

Come share your perspective on how to support families and children that face homelessness:

Monterey Peninsula
Thursday, November 8
6:00-8:00 P.M.
Oldemeyer Center-Laguna Grande Hall
986 Hilby Avenue, Seaside

South Monterey County
Friday, November 9
6:00-8:00 P.M.
Civic Center Council Chambers
599 El Camino Real, Greenfield

North Monterey County
Friday, November 30
6:00-8:00 P.M.
Japanese School House
1119 Geil Street, Castroville

All meetings will be conducted in English and Spanish. For additional information, please contact Katherine Thoeni from the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers at 831-883-3080 or chspmontry@aol.com.