First 5 Kern

05/27/2026

Thank you to all the agencies that applied for our Community Event Support Grants. We've exhausted our funds for the 2025-26 FY. Our goal is to help organizations reach families directly, or give a boost to those who serve them.

$40,000. 15 Events.

A shoe drive, a Mother's Day event for foster youth, a baby shower, art lessons, a gardening project for child care kids, pre-K welcome events... these grants are small, but mighty! Thank you to all who had an idea to help families and submitted an application. If we had $100,000 to give, it wouldn't have filled every request. Check out our website for more information.

05/22/2026

Are you and the kids enjoying the water this hot holiday weekend? Remember, no matter how or where you are doing your splashing - whether its a little kiddie pool, or big lake - keep the little ones in your sight at all times. We absolutely love the Kern County Public Health Water Watcher kits. They help everyone remember the important of staying vigilant around the water. Stay safe while staying cool in the pool!

05/19/2026

Join us in welcoming Amy Travis as the new President & CEO of Kern Community Foundation!

Amy steps into the role on June 8, 2026, bringing a strong background in community leadership and philanthropy in Kern County. To learn more about Amy, visit kernfoundation.org.

05/14/2026

This is another wonderful example of a local agency using our Community Event Support grants to help the families they serve! Great work, Victory Family Services!

A heartfelt thank you to First 5 Kern for donating books, bookshelves, and a special clay handprint activity for the children of the moms in our THPP program. 💕

These thoughtful gifts help create moments of learning, creativity, and connection for our families. Something as simple as a book, a quiet reading space, or a keepsake activity can mean so much to a child and their parent.

We are grateful for community partners who continue to support our youth, young parents, and their little ones.

Because every child deserves victory. 💙

05/13/2026

One of the most exciting moments for any expecting family is preparing to welcome a new child, but unexpected expenses can quickly add up and leave new parents facing costs far beyond what they planned.

That’s why I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026, which would provide up to $2,000 per newborn as an advance payment to help families cover immediate costs.

This commonsense bill gives working parents greater financial flexibility and peace of mind so they can focus on growing their family instead of worrying about how to make ends meet.

Read more: https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3778

05/10/2026

On this special day, we want to honor all the moms out there making the world a better place, one baby smile at a time!

Happy Mother's Day!

05/08/2026

Congratulations to the Oasis Family Resource Center on celebrating their 5-year anniversary this week!

As one of our funded programs, the Oasis FRC does tremendous work in supporting the children and families of Ridgecrest. Program Manager Eric LeBarbe has forged partnerships with the community that helps them touch the lives of so many East Kern families.

Big shout out to Oasis, Eric and the entire team, and their Community Action Partnership of Kern family on five wonderful years. Here's to many more!

05/05/2026

05/05/2026

Give Big Kern is today! Support local nonprofits on Kern County's biggest giving day! GBLA is proud to partner with the Kern Community Foundation and other nonprofits to support and preserve the essential services our community needs! Give BIG Today !https://www.givebigkern.org/organization/Greater-Bakersfield-Legal-Assistance