About Us

	Message from the Executive Director First 5 LA believes that the first five years of life establish the foundation for the future success of our children. Our organization has served as a catalyst in bringing communities together and uniting organizations, businesses, and schools to provide resources and services for families and their children. First 5 LA appreciates the passion and dedication of our Commissioners, partners, and grantees. We wish to thank everyone who has contributed to helping improve the lives of children and families throughout Los Angeles County. Evelyn V. Martinez Executive Director

First 5 LA
Champions for Our Children

First 5 LA is a unique child-advocacy organization created by California voters to invest tobacco tax revenues in programs for improving the lives of children in Los Angeles County, from prenatal through age 5.

Since 1998, we have invested an estimated $800 million in grants and programs to champion the health, education, and safety causes concerning young children and families.

Our vision is to create a future throughout our communities where all young children are born healthy and raised in a loving and nurturing environment so that they grow up healthy, are eager to learn, and reach their full potential.

Our Mission

First 5 LA’s mission is to make significant and measurable progress towards our vision by increasing the number of children from the prenatal stage through age 5 who are physically and emotionally healthy, safe, and ready to learn.

We accomplish our mission by partnering with communities and families in Los Angeles County to forward our goals in the areas of Early Learning, Health, and Safe Children and Families.

Our Strategic Plan
First 5 LA's 2004-2009 Strategic Plan (pdf) is a road map to achieve its goal of enhancing the lives of expectant parents, children ages 0-5 and their families.