30 Community Groups Receive Proposition 10 Funds For Projects That Help Local Families
The Contra Costa Children and Families Commission Awards $150,000 in Community Grants for Fatherhood and Safety Projects

—Contact: Tracy Irwin 925/335-9991 ext. 13

Martinez (June 4, 2002) — Yesterday The Contra Costa Children and Families Commission awarded nearly $150,000 in Proposition 10 funds to 30 community groups and nonprofit organizations to conduct local community improvement projects benefiting families with children up to age 5. This is the third cycle of Family-Friendly Community Grants, which provide community groups or nonprofit organizations with grants up to $5,000 for projects that improve community safety or provide enrichment activities for parents and children.

“Family-Friendly Community Grants are currently working to create safe, nurturing environments for families with young children,” said Brenda Blasingame, executive director of the Contra Costa Children and Families Commission. “We know that families are benefiting from these projects. Playgrounds have been built, parents have been trained on infant CPR techniques and preschoolers have learned about pool safety.”

One group, sponsored by the community-based organization Rubicon Programs in Richmond, will implement “Father Fest”, an event that will provide fathers who do not have custody of their children with information about parenting and child support. A Concord fathers group, Los Compadres, plans to hold a safety conference for Latino fathers about the dangers of second-hand smoke and child proofing the home, among many other safety topics. Each group received $5,000 to conduct their projects.

The GRIP Homeless Shelter in Richmond was awarded $5,000 to conduct parenting workshops that offer homeless mothers practical information about parenting young children while homeless. Participating mothers will receive lunch, diapers and a first-aid kit at the workshops. A group of homeless mothers are helping to implement the project. “The mothers we’re working with are thrilled about the project. Already they’ve signed up forty participants, many of whom live in motels or in their cars,” said project coordinator Donna Borden.

The Clayton Library, located near natural trails and butterfly gardens, will serve as the setting for a hands-on project that introduces the wonders of nature and ecologically-safe habits to preschool-age children. Local beekeepers, naturalists and State Park Rangers will lead “planting not picking” lessons and nature walks.

In 1998, California voters approved Proposition 10, which levied a 50-cent tax on each pack of cigarettes. Revenues generated are used to fund local programs that promote early childhood development, targeting children during their first five years of life. Approximately $9 million per year funds programs and projects in Contra Costa County. Funding for Family-Friendly Community Grants is available twice each year. More than $400,000 has been allocated for Family-Friendly Community Grant projects.