A Word of Thanks to Our Community

To our amazing San Mateo County Community,

As we reflect on the last three years, our hearts swell with gratitude for the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts you’ve contributed to our shared mission: promoting positive outcomes for young children and their families. You have been a pillar of our success, and we are so appreciative of all of our grantees, partners, allies, and, above all else, families.

Last Monday night, we got the chance to celebrate our grantees all together at our commission meeting. It was a blast to see everyone mingling, getting to know one another, and talking about the work that makes this county a great place to be a child.

To our grantees, your innovative programs and steadfast passion have been instrumental in positively impacting the lives of countless children and families across San Mateo County. We are so grateful for your commitment to our shared goals. You have been such an important part of our community. San Mateo County families are lucky to have you. You have turned possibilities into realities, shaping brighter futures for the youngest members of our society.

To our invaluable community partners, commissioners, and allies, we could not have done it without you. Your experience, guidance, and collaboration have fortified our endeavors and allowed us to make an even greater impact on our community.

To San Mateo County’s young families, your trust, resilience, and unwavering belief in our vision have been the driving force behind every initiative and program. Your dedication to the well-being and growth of your children is a testament to the incredible strength and love within our community. You fuel our commitment to providing the best support possible.

As we look forward to the next year, we are excited and determined to make an even deeper impact. We are grateful for your commitment to the well-being of our community’s youngest members. Your continued partnership and unwavering support are invaluable as we continue to create more nurturing environments for our children and families.

With heartfelt thanks,

First 5 San Mateo County

Headshot of Kitty Lopez

Kitty Lopez has served as the Executive Director of First 5 San Mateo County since 2012, focusing on policy, advocacy and communications development. Additionally, she is the Chair of First 5 Association of California. Kitty previously served as the Executive Director of Samaritan House, one of the leading safety-net nonprofit agencies serving low-income families and individuals in San Mateo County with food, shelter, clothing, health care, counseling, education classes, and holiday assistance from 2002 to 2012.

Kitty taught kindergarten, second grade, and high school in the Bay Area and in Santa Barbara, and was a consultant in schools with children who have autism and special needs. Additionally, Kitty worked in a residential substance abuse treatment center in San Francisco and psychiatric hospital in San Diego.

She attended University of California Santa Barbara earning a California Teaching Credential and B.A in Psychology. Kitty is active in her community serving on several community boards including HEART (Housing Endowment and Regional Trust of San Mateo County), STEP (Success Through Education Program), and Past President and Current Member of the San Mateo Rotary Club.