Wildfire Recovery Effort 2018

All of us have been watching the news of the Camp Fire with concern and sadness for those affected. In response, First 5s across California and their early childhood partners are stepping up to aid affected families with babies and young children. These devastating fires have left families, schools, and child care providers without the basic necessities they need to care for our youngest children.

To that end, The California Children and Families Foundation, the sister organization of the First 5 Association of California, has established a relief fund to support First 5 counties in their rebuilding efforts.

In the coming weeks and months, these funds (100%) will be directed to counties for recovery services, such as: mental health support for evacuated families, supplies for damaged family childcare homes and preschools, additional family programs to support children affected by the fires, and temporary child care supports. All donations to this specific fund will be used by First 5s in their communities for recovery efforts focusing on the needs of children 0-5 and their families. Click on the link or the image above to donate.

From all of us at First 5 San Mateo County, we thank you for your support.

Headshot of Kitty Lopez

Kitty Lopez has served as the Executive Director of First 5 San Mateo County since 2013, focusing on strategic investing, community leadership, policy and advocacy development for young children, 0-5, and their families.

Kitty has served as Co-Chair of the Advisory Body for Build Up for San Mateo County Children’s Initiative, with Board of Supervisor, Dave Pine, since 2018.  Congressman Kevin Mullin is Honorary Co-Chair.  This initiative was established to preserve, grow, and increase the number of early care sites in San Mateo County.  

Kitty previously served as the Executive Director of Samaritan House, one of San Mateo County’s leading Core Service Agencies and safety-net nonprofits serving low-income families and individuals with food, shelter, clothing, health care, counseling, education classes, and holiday assistance from 2002 to 2013. 

Kitty taught kindergarten, second grade, and high school in southern California and San Francisco 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 for children and youth in San Diego.  Kitty’s roots in supporting children began as a 16-year-old volunteer at the Braille Institute in Los Angeles where she taught swimming to children and adults with visual impairments.

She attended University of California Santa Barbara earning a California Teaching Credential and B.A in Psychology. Kitty is active in her community serving as Vice Chair of the San Mateo County Event Center, and Past President and Current Member of the San Mateo Rotary Club.  She is currently serving as Past President of the First 5 Association of California. On March 2022, Assembly Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin selected Kitty Lopez as the 2022 Assembly District 22 Woman of the Year.