We’re honored to be named the Money Pulse Business of the Week and to share how FIRST 5 Santa Clara County is helping every child in our community grow up healthy, safe, and ready to learn. In this inspiring episode, host Dynasti Young talks with our Executive Director, Jennifer Kelleher Cloyd, about what it means to invest early through quality education, strong families, and community partnerships that last a lifetime.
Jennifer spotlights key efforts that are shaping the future for local children including:
- QUALITY MATTERS, our network of early childhood educators improving the quality of care and learning for the youngest members of our community.
- Potter the Otter, our joyful mascot who inspires healthy habits and lifelong learning through stories and events.
- Standing Firm for Families, a $1 million investment to support immigrant families facing fear, separation, and uncertainty.
As Jennifer shares:
“Standing Firm for Families really came about because in Silicon Valley and Santa Clara County, there’s a huge number of households that have at least one person who might not have acceptable documentation, even though the child does”… “Families are fearful and may not access the support they’re entitled to. While we can’t always prevent separation, we can stand firm for the children left behind—ensuring there are emergency funds for rent, food, and medicine when families need it most.”
At FIRST 5, we know that the earliest years shape everything that follows. When we stand with families, invest in educators, and strengthen our communities, we build a future where every child can thrive.
Thank you to Money Pulse and Dynasti Young for shining a light on this important work and for helping share what’s possible when a community truly comes together for kids.
