A Story of Youth’s Will
Building Paths to Success Anyone who has ever counted out the power of young people has never met Youth Will. As a youth led nonprofit, Youth Will empowers young people…
Where Healthy Starts Begin
First 5 Healthy Development Services helps families with young children get connected to the support they need to help their little ones grow, learn and thrive. Serving children ages 0–5 across San Diego County, HDS offers free developmental, speech, language and behavioral screenings, along with care coordination, parent support, and connections to helpful services and resources. The goal is simple- make it easier for families to access early support so children can reach important milestones and build a strong foundation for the future.
So when the future of Healthy Development Services hangs in the balance, so do the futures of thousands of littles throughout San Diego.
Advocates to the Rescue
As the County faces another uphill fiscal battle, early childhood advocates, healthcare professionals, educators, and families from across the region came together to make one thing clear, children’s health and wellbeing must remain a priority.
At a time when we are seeing cuts to healthcare and nutrition safetynet programs nationwide, children and families cannot afford to lose more support. Early intervention and prevention services are not luxuries, they are essential investments in healthy starts for children, families and the community.
Community members spoke up, shared stories, organized, and advocated for continued investment in programs that give children the strongest possible start in life.
Advocacy Works!
In the end, San Diego’s Board of Supervisors unanimously said “YES!” to supporting kids and families.
A $4.3 million investment in First 5’s Healthy Development Services will help to continue serving thousands of children and families throughout San Diego County.
This meaningful victory is proof that advocacy works!
But this moment is bigger than one budget decision. It’s a reminder that when communities come together and speak up for children, change is possible.
It’s a win for today, but we still need a movement for tomorrow.
Because every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy, supported, and ready to thrive.
We support local artists and thank Hanna Gundrum for bringing loving illustrations to our work.
CFC Brand Development produced by our PB&J Fellows in partnership with the Nectar Digital Collaborative.
