First 5 San Bernardino marks 25 years of supporting local families

Karen Scott, executive director of First 5 San Bernardino (left), watches as the Phase 3 Lab School students prepare to lead the Pledge of Allegiance during First 5 San Bernardino’s 25th anniversary celebration event on Nov. 14 at the Fox Theater in Redlands.

First 5 San Bernardino celebrated 25 years of serving young children and families on Nov. 14 at the historic Fox Theater in Redlands. The event brought together local leaders, partners and advocates to reflect on the organization’s milestones and its continued mission to support children ages 0-5 and their families in our county.

The event featured a full program that included keynote speaker Ted Lempert, president of Children Now, awards and recognitions, and special appearances by notable professionals in children and family services such as State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and Nadine Burke Harris (virtual), founder of the Center for Youth Wellness and Former Surgeon General of California.

“What First 5 San Bernardino does matters so much. This county has the greatest diversity, the greatest growth, certainly the greatest people and the greatest opportunity,” Thurmond said during his remarks delivered at the event. “We have an opportunity to make sure that children have access to nutrition, early education, learning to read and more. It starts with what happens here in San Bernardino.”

The celebration also honored local champions who’ve made a difference in the lives of local families. “We know that raising children can oftentimes take a village, so we are proud to have been able to stand alongside in support of our county’s families for so many years,” said Karen Scott, executive director of First 5 San Bernardino.

Since its founding in 1999, First 5 San Bernardino has focused on empowering parents and caregivers through a broad network of county partnerships that offer vital family support services. Together with these partners, the organization helps ensure that every child in San Bernardino County has the opportunity for a strong start and a better life.

Follow our story at First5SanBernardino.org and on Instagram @first5sanbernardino.

Additional County Update News – November 21, 2024