Strengthening
Community Connections

First 5 Stanislaus
2025 Digital Annual Report

A Letter From Leadership

Strengthening Community Connections

This was the first year of implementing our 2024-2029 strategic plan. During the first year First 5 Stanislaus prioritized strengthening child development and early learning, supported families with essential resources, and built stronger community partnerships. We also focused on advancing equity, increasing public awareness of the importance of the early years, and laid the groundwork for long-term systems change and sustainable funding.

We have spent over $2,000,000 serving over 6,300 children prenatal through 5 and almost 8,400 family members/caregivers this past year. We look forward to growing this work and continuing to serve our youngest and most vulnerable members.

The 2024-2025 Annual Report to the Community highlights the progress First 5 Stanislaus has made in collaboration with our dedicated partners. This past year, we strengthened connections with families and organizations, expanded access to essentials and placed a stronger emphasis on literacy by sharing more books with young children. Through community outreach, we expanded our social media platforms to provide parents with tools and resources at home and strengthened our presence at local events to raise awareness and visibility. To better serve our diverse county, we adapted our work to be more responsive to the unique needs of families.

We are grateful for the opportunity to steward public resources and to partner with providers in building a stronger early childhood system. The Annual Report shares only a glimpse of what has been accomplished, but we hope it conveys our deep commitment to the well-being of Stanislaus County's youngest children.

Dr. Shammy Karim
Executive Director
Christine Huber
Commission Chair


"Through events, classes, and programs funded by First 5 Stanislaus, the Ceres Partnership Family Resource Center has helped me build stronger connections within my community."

Rosa

Meet Rosa, Ceres Partnership Family Resource Center Parent Educator

My role as a Parent Educator is to empower families by providing information, resources, and skills that promote healthy child development and strong family relationships.

At the Ceres Partnership Family Resource Center, we build connections with families by earning their trust through accessible programs and meeting them where they are—both literally and emotionally. We foster trust by actively listening and maintaining consistent, two-way communication through various channels such as mobile apps and in-person meetings.

Our classes and programs are designed to encourage parents and caregivers to support one another. We do this by creating structured opportunities to connect through meetings, events, and shared activities. We strive to cultivate a welcoming environment where families can share resources, offer empathy, build a strong support network, and access the help they need.

I have witnessed firsthand how families improve their quality of life and become more self-sufficient by using the wide range of resources offered through our Family Resource Center.

To parents and caregivers who have never visited a Family Resource Center, I would say: we are here for you. We offer services designed to strengthen families, and you can expect a warm, supportive environment where you can connect with others on a similar journey.

What keeps me motivated and inspired in this work is seeing families grow in confidence and make meaningful changes to achieve their goals. It brings me joy to help build a stronger community and to be a part of changing lives for the better.

Meet Lucia Romo, a Parent Café Participant

Lucia has been participating in programs at the Ceres Partnership Family Resource Center for over fifteen years. She first began attending with her son when he was just four years old, and she now brings her four grandchildren to participate in the various programs offered through the Family Resource Center.

Lucia describes her experience with Par lent Café as excellent. Over the years, she has learned a great deal through her involvement with the FRC and has truly enjoyed engaging with her community. She shares that being part of Parent Café has helped her connect more deeply with others, learn from their experiences, and also share her own. It has strengthened her sense of community and provided her with meaningful support.

Lucia highly recommends not only Parent Café, but all of the programs offered through the Ceres Partnership. She says they have played a key role in helping both her children and grandchildren thrive during the first five years of life.

Lucia

Our Collective Impact

We are providing opportunity and positive change to families through Stanislaus County.

14,774

Children, parents, and providers reached through First 5 Stanislaus and its partners.

Results Areas

Families are receiving support.

The caregivers of 6,394 children received family support services through First 5 Stanislaus funded programs.

Parents are gaining knowledge and improving parenting skills.

The caregivers of 347 children increased their skills and knowledge after attending parenting classes.

Parents are gaining knowledge and improving advocacy skills.

100% of parents and caregivers participating in advocacy training reported increased knowledge and skills.

Parents are reading with their children.

845 families of children 0-5 increased the time spent reading with their children at home after receiving literacy services.

Children are continuing their skill development.

3,305 children 0-5 who received literacy services were given a book to take home and build upon the skills they and their families learned.

Children are being screened and identified for developmental delays.

204 children 0-5 were screened for educational developmental issues.

Strengthening families with knowledge.

Families of 6,394 children have increased knowledge and use of community resources.

Participants Served

Ethnicity of Participants Served in First 5 Programs*

Hispanic (61%)
White (11%)
Asian (1%)
Multiracial (3%)
African American (3%)
Pacific Islander (0%)
American Indian or Alaska Native (0%)
Other (9%)
American Indian or Alaska Native (12%)

Committed to
Diversity and Equity

77% of participants served through First 5 Stanislaus are from Hispanic, Asian, African American, or multi-racial population groups.

* Data reported by Proposition 10 funded programs in Stanislaus County

Supplies Distribution

Basic needs continue to be difficult for families to afford. In an effort to support areas of need for families with children 0-5, First 5 Stanislaus distributed supplies to Family Resource Centers and community partners for them to make available to their participants. In Fiscal Year 2024-2025, supplies included:

books icon

446

Imagination Library Applications

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5,148

Books

diapers icon

39,000

Diapers

Program Highlights

Strengthening Community Connections

Strenthening Community Connections

First 5 Stanislaus is dedicated to fostering strong community connections between families and Family Resource Centers. Throughout the 2024/2025 fiscal year, First 5 focused on enhancing these connections by actively participating in events that support young children and their families across Stanislaus County. Our goal is to ensure every child thrives during their critical first five years of life.

In addition to engaging families, First 5 Stanislaus expanded partnerships with local county agencies and community organizations to better serve the 0-5 population. Key events like the Ceres Community Baby Shower and the 6th Annual Kids Connect provided valuable opportunities to connect with families and partners alike.

Some of the new and strengthened partnerships include collaborations with Health Plan of San Joaquin, WIC, Nurture, and many others, all working together to build a healthier, more connected community.

Kicking Off a Bright Future

The 2024/2025 fiscal year marks the beginning of First 5 Stanislaus's new 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, building upon the foundation laid in our previous initiatives. This plan is designed to promote the importance of the first five years of life and strengthen community partner capacity through collaboration, funding, advocacy, and support to serve young children and their families so that every child in Stanislaus County thrives. Our focus areas include improved family functioning, child development, and systems of care, with a commitment to enhancing literacy, safety, and early childhood education. By fostering partnerships with local agencies and organizations, we aim to create a cohesive network that supports the well-being of children and families throughout the county. As we embark on this strategic journey, we are excited to continue our mission and look forward to the positive impact this plan will have on our community.

Classroom of people
Ceres baby shower

Ceres Baby Shower

The Ceres Community Baby Shower, held in May at the Center for Human Services' Ceres Partnership Family Resource Center, was a wonderful celebration of families and community connections! This event brought together 8 vendors and welcomed 79 participants—41 English speakers and 38 Spanish speakers. Hosted by First 5 Stanislaus, Ceres Partnership, WIC, and Health Plan of San Joaquin, the baby shower featured a variety of vendors including La Familia, Livingston Community Health, Safe Sleep, Safe Kids Stanislaus, Oral Health, Imagination Library, and many more. Expecting moms received height and weight screenings from WIC, while Health Plan of San Joaquin offered postpartum classes in both English and Spanish. Attendees were thrilled to receive giveaways such as strollers, bassinets, and gift baskets. Open to the Ceres WIC community, this event was a true example of strengthening community connections and supporting families during the early years.

Nurturing Community

First 5 Stanislaus began its collaboration with Nurture in November 2024 to support local residents in starting licensed childcare businesses. Nurture offers a virtual childcare business start-up course designed to guide participants through the licensing process and prepare them for long-term success. The program aims to increase the number of licensed daycare slots by supporting 200 entrepreneurs by December 2026. Participants who complete the coursework are eligible to receive up to $2,500 in financial assistance to help with start-up costs. This initiative not only boosts access to quality childcare in Stanislaus County but also creates new opportunities for local economic growth. By supporting aspiring childcare providers, Nurture helps strengthen both families and communities.

Nurturing community on stage
2025 Regional Summit

Building Regional Connections for Early Childhood

In celebration of 25 years of service, First 5 Stanislaus participated in a Regional Power Building Summit hosted by First 5 Sacramento. Held in Rocklin, the summit brought together both commissioners and staff from across the region to connect, learn from one another, and share strategies for championing early childhood development in their counties. Participating counties included Colusa, El Dorado, Merced, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba. The event provided a valuable space for collaboration, inspiration, and professional growth. First 5 Stanislaus staff left the summit energized with new ideas and strengthened partnerships. Following the event, the participating First 5 counties launched a quarterly collaborative initiative to continue building relationships and sharing best practices across the region. This ongoing collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and families across California.

Strengthening Early Literacy Through Community Partnership

In 2024, First 5 Stanislaus launched a new partnership with Cradle to Career Stanislaus, Stanislaus County Office of Education, Stanislaus County Library, and Center for Human Services to support early literacy efforts and strengthen access to books for children across the county. This collaboration focuses on evaluating the Imagination Library program to better understand its reach and impact, while also identifying opportunities to improve book access for families with young children. As part of this initiative, the group is also examining Early Grade Reading outcomes to ensure children are entering school with a strong foundation. Parent interviews were conducted with families currently enrolled in the Imagination Library to gain firsthand insight into how the program is supporting their child's development. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to building stronger community systems that ensure every child in Stanislaus County has the tools they need to thrive. By aligning our work and data, this partnership is helping shape a more coordinated and impactful approach to early literacy.

Adults at an Imagination Library booth

Key Statistics & Outcomes

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80%
(1,768/2,202) of caregivers and children 0-5 reported expanded social connections after attending community events.
98%
(125/128) of pregnant and parenting women reported less stress as a result of attending support group sessions.
98%
(125/128) of pregnant and parenting women reported improved protective factors in their lives as a result of attending support group sessions.
97%
(340/351) of caregivers reported increased confidence in parenting ability after attending parenting education and support groups.
319
319 library card were issued to children/families who participated in literacy services.
1,076
children and their families participated in literacy services.
5,148
books were distributed to children to nurture a desire to read and to support literacy skills at home.
6,227
parents and caregivers of children 0-5 provided with education and support.
Juanita

Meet Juanita, School Readinesss Participant

I was motivated to attend School Readiness classes with my son by a friend who told me great things about the program. Through the School Readiness program, I've learned the importance of reading to my child more often at home. The classes have taught us techniques for reading and keeping our children engaged during story time.

I feel that my son has definitely become more interested in grabbing a pencil and trying to learn how to use different classroom tools, such as scissors. The class has also helped me better understand how my son learns at his age.

His favorite part of School Readiness is building his gross motor skills by putting things together. The materials and activities done in class are easy to follow and helpful for both my son and me.

I would recommend the class and program to other parents who are looking for something to do with their children. The classes are valuable because both children and parents learn new things while also building connections with other families.

Meet Irene, Nurturing Parenting Participant

Irene was motivated to start the program after seeing how it worked. She gave a class a shot and overall really enjoyed the information shared and the conversations the group had. Irene enjoys staying involved in her community. Nurturing Parenting motivated her to join the other programs that Ceres Partnership has to offer.

My relationship with my son has grown because of this program. He is my first child, so it has helped me understand his development and provide him with a better future. The topic that had the most impact on me from this class was definitely the importance of teaching our children about our traditions and culture. A key takeaway from this class has been to pay closer attention to how my son expresses himself.

Irene

2024-2025 Financials

Total Budget: $4,539,587

Improved Family Functioning (Family Support, Education, and Services) $1,989,260 (43.8%)
Improved Child Development (Child Development Services) $40,000 (0.9%)
Improved Systems of Care $48,500 (1.1%)
Administration $687,852 (15.2%)
Evaluation $12,917 (0.3%)
Other Programs (Includes Contingency Fund) $1,761,058 (38.8%)

Financials

2024 2025
Revenues
Program revenues $4,362,993 $3,826,972
General revenues $738,221 $793,406
Total revenues $5,101,214 $4,620,378
Total Expenses $3,159,642 $2,650,978
Change in Net Position $1,941,572 $1,969,400
Beginning net position $13,079,361 $15,012,484
Assets
Current assets $15,807,175 $18,045,563
Right-to-use assets, net of Accumulated depreciation $63,186 $27,451
Total assets $15,870,361 $18,073,014
Total Deferred Outflows of Resources $275,841 $208,705
Liabilities
Current liabilities $309,547 $530,286
Long-term liabilities $797,089 $751,448
Total liabilities $1,106,636 $1,281,734
Total Deferred Inflows of Resources $27,082 $18,101
Net Position
Net investment in capital assets -$1,889 -$1,056
Restricted net position $15,014,373 $16,982,940
Total net position $15,012,484 $16,981,884

Our Funded Partners


"Connecting families to each other and their community helps turn everyday moments into lifelong support."

2024-2025 Commissioners

(as of June 30, 2025)

Keri Magee, M.S.W.
Community
Representative
Vito Chiesa
Supervisor,
District 2
David Cooper, M. Ed
Community
Representative
Daniel Diep, M.D
Community
Representative
Christine Huber, M.S.W.
Vice Chair, Community
Services Agency
Tony Jordan, M. Ed
School
Representative
Heather Duvall

Health Services Agency
Thea
Papasozomenos, M.D

Public Health Officer
Nelly Paredes-
Walsborn, PH.D

Chair, Community
Representative

First 5 Staff

Dr. Shammy Karim
Executive Director
Veronica Ascencio
Accountant III
Teala Diaz
Confidential Assistant IV
Jasmine Gutierrez
Staff Services & Marketing Coordinator

Board of Supervisors

Buck Condit
District 1
Vito Chiesa
District 2
Terry Withrow
District 3
Mani Grewal
District 4
Channce Condit
District 5