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Making sure the kids are all right: Overcoming relationship trauma

Safe, healthy parents are imperative to raising safe, healthy children. CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse) is San Mateo County’s only provider of comprehensive intimate partner abuse prevention services. This organization is the result of the 2003 merger between the Center for Domestic Violence Prevention and Sor Juana Inés Services for

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Supporting our Families Through the Formula Shortage and Recall

There is a shortage of infant formula, due to supply chain issues and a recall of infant formula due to bacterial contamination. The recall is due to bacterial contamination in the Abbott manufacturing plant in MI. At least four infants were hospitalized, and 2 infants died after consuming the tainted

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Newsletter April 2022 | Fighting for Families on Advocacy Day

We gathered at the Capitol to raise key issues for families, providers, and above all, children. Last Tuesday, the First 5s across the state joined the Association at the capitol to advocate for policy changes that benefit California’s youngest children. We are thinking holistically about what children need. What do

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What You Need to Know about Advocacy Day 

Every year, First 5 San Mateo County, along with the First 5 Association and First 5s from counties across the state, participates in Advocacy Day, when we share with our elected officials our priorities for children and families and the policies we believe are needed to support them.  Our 2022

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First 5 Association Recruiting for New Executive Director

The First 5 Association of California is currently seeking for a new Executive Director with the help of Koya Partners search firm.  Click the link below for the job details and on how to apply. https://koyapartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/First-5-Association-ED-Position-Profile-3.18.22.pdf About First 5 Association of California As the statewide membership organization for the 58

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January Newsletter: A Year in Review

As we move into 2022, we are taking a quick look back on everything we accomplished and initiated in 2021. Dear Community Members, 2021 has brought us through some of the hardest parts of the COVID-19 pandemic and light is beginning to shine at the end of the tunnel. This

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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.