Winner of the 2019 Culture of Health Prize Congratulations to the City of Gonzales on receiving the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 2019 Culture of Health Prize for your deep investment in: sustainable economic development, youth success, and authentic community engagement exemplified by positive outcomes of collaborative …
Supporting Kindergarten Readiness through Integrated Learning
On Friday, October 25th the Early Learning Network (formerly Transitional Kindergarten Plus Network) kicked off the 2019-20 school year, hosting sessions in two locations: Rose Ferrero Elementary School and the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Office. Teachers from school districts across …
Meet Our New Staff Member
Welcome to the Bright Beginnings Team Bright Beginnings is excited to welcome the newest member of our growing team! Meet Laura Keeley Saldana: “Hello! I am so excited to be part of the Bright Beginnings team as the Program Manager – Early …
Meet Our New Staff Member
Welcome to the Bright Beginnings Team Bright Beginnings is excited to welcome the newest member of our growing team! Meet Iris Gamez: “Hi! I am absolutely thrilled to be joining this initiative as the new Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator. My educational and …
Census 2020
Expanding Community Engagement Young children are chronically undercounted in the national Census, and California has the highest estimated rate of 0-5 year-old undercount of any state. In Census 2010 there were an estimated 2.2 million children ages 0-5 uncounted. Why …
Opportunities to Influence Mental Health
Monterey County Behavioral Health is launching its community engagement process to help ensure ample local voices shape the Mental Health Services Act 3-Year Program and Expenditure Plan for Fiscal Year’s 2021-2023. Below you’ll find 10 upcoming in-person opportunities to Monterey County …
All are Welcome in The County of Monterey
Immigration: Understanding “Public Charge” The Monterey County Department of Social Services has created two flyers, in English and Spanish, sharing details about #immigration and public charge. Click on either flyer below to view and download a PDF version in English or Spanish. ENGLISH: SPANISH:
Labor of Love Health Fair | September 26
The Labor of Love Health Fair is celebrating its 25th year on Thursday, September 26 from 4:30 – 7:30pm at Sherwood Hall in Salinas. Hosted by the Monterey County Health Department and sponsored by First 5 Monterey County, among others, this free annual event is a combination …
Cradle to Career Conference
September 11-13 in Washington D.C. Bright Beginnings was in D.C. at the Strive Together Cradle to Career Network Convening, with our local Bright Futures team and 400+ changemakers from across the country, united in the work of breaking down barriers and creating opportunities …
A Thriving Community from the Start
A Call to Action for Maternal Mental Health Early in the morning on Tuesday, August 27th, 90 influential leaders in Monterey County came together over breakfast to hear about the latest in maternal mental health and how their agencies can play a role …







