Bright Beginnings Newsletter

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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 is this important? The flow of federal funds for crucial services and programs are tied to the Census results, so we want to make sure our young children and their families are counted.

In partnership with First 5 Monterey County, Bright Beginnings consultant Mireya Gomez-Contreras is working with local partners and communities across the County to prepare for the roll-out of the Census survey in April 2020, supporting and encouraging families with young children, regardless of immigration status, to participate by ensuring they feel safe and informed.

We will need all hands on deck to get the word out about Census 2020, so keep a lookout for materials. If you are interested in volunteering, distributing information, or learning more, please contact Mireya via email: Mireyagomezcontreras@gmail.com.

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 professional background includes business, marketing communication, and strategic planning. Having worked at The First Tee of Monterey County and Hartnell College, I have developed many connections in Monterey County that will be an invaluable networking asset to expanding the reach of Bright Beginnings and the work of all its partners. Born and raised in the Salinas Valley, I have a strong commitment to the success of this community and the children it serves. I am also a proud aunt of four nieces and nephews and enjoy being part of their caregiving network.”

Click here to learn more about Bright Beginning's Core Backbone Team.

7th Annual Ciclovía Salinas

Bright Beginnings at Ciclovía

On Sunday, October 6th, Bright Beginnings joined the local community at the 7th Annual Ciclovía Event in Salinas, where the streets open up for everyone to enjoy recreational activities, such as running, biking, and skating. We are proud to share that around 60 families supported our Preschool for All Campaign, and 50 of them shared their support for full-time preschool. To learn more and see more photos from the event, click here.

News + Updates

- Census 2020
- Meet Our New Staff
- 7th Annual Ciclovía Salinas
- "Public Charge"
- Influence Mental Health
- We're Hiring
- Family Friendly Business

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 here or on the links below to learn more.

Click here to view in English.

Click here to view in Spanish.

Opportunity to Influence Mental Health in Monterey County

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 Years 2021-2023.

Click here to learn more about their upcoming in-person opportunities.

Bright Beginnings Is Hiring

Here's how you can be a part of Bright Beginnings:

Home Visiting Program Manager
Collaborate with community partners to design, develop, and implement a Home Visiting Triage and Coordination Hub. Click here to learn more about the open position and how to apply.

Initiative Director
Provide leadership and strategic management for the Bright Beginnings Initiative as a whole. Click here to learn more about the open position and how to apply.

Family Friendly Business

Have you nominated a business or organization that you think is a Family Friendly Business?

Click here to learn more and apply today.

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We want to hear from you!
Do you have early childhood development resources or upcoming opportunities and community events that you'd like to share with us? Click here to let us know!

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