Regional Groups Updates
December 2002

Read about the great things that are happening in each region of the county!

EAST: The East County Regional Group coordinated “Leadership Advocacy Day” on August 17. About 15 parents participated, including members of the East, West, and Central County Regional groups. The workshops were very informative, empowering, and useful. The speakers challenged the members to partner with local government.

The group members have started planning Week of the Young Child events for April 2003. They are looking forward to partnering again with local park and recreation programs and parent advocacy groups.

The East County Regional Group meets on the second Thursday of the month, from 7 to 9 pm, at the Eastside Church of Christ, 1020 E. Tregallas Rd. in Antioch.

For more information contact the East County Community Liaison, Alejandra Hurtado at (925) 335-9991 ext. 38 or ahcckids@yahoo.com.

SOUTH: Our South County Community Liaison, Helga Glasson, took the lead in planning a very successful event for First 5 Contra Costa’s annual Ready, Set, Read Literacy Campaign. The event took place in Danville on November 2nd, with more than 500 children attending. About 300 parents were added to our database for updates and information on future events.

Many parents expressed interested in participating in a South County Regional Group. Helga is planning the first meeting for South County parents for Tuesday, December 10, 2002.

If you would like to join the South County Regional Group, contact Helga at (925) 335-9991 ext. 32 or glasson@directvinternet.com.

WEST: The West County Regional in collaboration with the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP) and the City of Richmond conducted the very successful Super Saturday Family Fest in October.

Approximately 400 people participated in various activities, such as face painting, a petting zoo, storytelling, and free books. Neighborhood vendors and business donated all the prizes for the raffles. The City of Richmond Police and Park and Recreation Departments played a big role in the success of this event. The contribution from all the group members and their families was very valuable. Thank you!

The group meets the third Thursday of the month at 7pm at the Unity Church of Richmond, 351-28th St. For more information contact Sheila Cook, West County Community Liaison at (510) 235-0430 or richmondsheshe@aol.com.

CENTRAL: The newly formed Central County Regional Group meets twice each month on Tuesday nights in the Monument Community area, with 10 to16 parents attending each meeting.

Parents, now mainly Spanish Speaking, have participated at the Monument Community Health Fair, participated at First 5 Contra Costa’s Early Childhood Think Tank held in Concord in October, and attended a Leadership Training in San Jose on October 29.

Members are currently recruiting children under five for free enrichment classes, an identified need in this community. Tae Kwan Doe and Creative Dance and Music classes will be offered in January 2003 for parents who cannot afford to pay private classes.

Please contact Mari González for more information at (925) 335-9991 ext. 12 or mgonzalez@cckids.org.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What do Regional Groups do?
The Commission wants to establish four Regional Groups of parents, child care providers, business people, service providers and representatives from community-based organizations. Group members will work together to plan and conduct community projects based on issues identified in last summer’s regional meetings. Group members will also provide outreach and education about Commission activities such as funding opportunities for community members. Groups meet on a monthly basis and/or as needed.

What is the purpose of the Regional Groups?
The Regional Groups provide a direct link between the community and the Commission. They are an opportunity for community members to be involved in deciding how to best strengthen the lives of children and families in their neighborhoods, in their region of the county and countywide.

How does the Commission support the work of the Regional Groups?
We provide staff support, child care, translation services, and dinner at every meeting. Each Regional Group can receive up to $10,000 to conduct a project that addresses the concerns raised by participants in the meetings held last summer. We will also provide training on leadership/advocacy, grant writing, and other topics groups decide.

How else can I get involved with the work of the Commission?
If you would like to get involved in the activities happening in your region of the county, please contact the region’s Community Liaison or Mari González at 925-335-9991 ext. 12. You can also attend Commission meetings, which are open to the public and take place the first Monday of each month at 6:00 pm.