Gloria Molina Lauded for Accomplishments During Year as First 5 LA Chair

LA County Supervisor Gloria Molina was lauded last Thursday for accomplishments during her year as chair of the First 5 LA Commission. Vice Chair Nancy Au presented her with a recognition award and scrapbook with highlights of the year.

Under Molina's leadership, First 5 LA has marked several milestones in 2005, including development or implementation of several new initiatives, including Los Angeles Universal Preschool for all 4-year olds in the county, a network and support system to help ensure pregnant women have healthy, full-term babies, expansion of family literacy programs (including funding for KCET's emmy-award winning A Place of Our Own Los Niños En Su Casa), a major child abuse and neglect prevention program, and a strategic partnership with LA County's 211 to continue First 5 LA Connect, a 24-hour warmline for confidential resource and referrals for parents.

"During her term, Supervisor Molina has strengthened First 5 LA's vision of improving the lives of young children and families in LA County," said Au. "She has been a true champion for our children—and a leader whose legacy will continue on at First 5 LA for years to come."

Molina leaves the commission as one of the new initiatives she has championed is about to be implemented. Workforce development programs to increase standards and training of teachers and caregivers of young children will be launched early next year.

LA County Supervisor Mike Antonovich is incoming First 5 LA chair, beginning his term in January, 2006.