Melissa Franklin Brings Faith-Based Foundation To First 5 LA’S Best Start Program

"I knew about the critical role that churches play in the black community and felt it was important for Best Start to develop collaborative partnerships with them," said Franklin, who is marketing manager for the new program.

But Franklin's spiritual connections reach far beyond her employment resume. This spiritual bond is at the very core of her existence. She is the mother of two daughters ages 2 and 5 and both of her children were born 3 months premature and in great peril. Her oldest needed heart surgery at 9 days old and her youngest required a heart and breathing monitor when she came home from the hospital.

"But through our darkest moments, my husband and I overcame the fear and pain with prayer," Franklin said. "Our strong faith brought us through this difficult time and it was God's hand that protected our children and brought them out of death's grip into being healthy and blessed today."

Because Franklin believes that faith-based organizations are indispensable in meeting the needs of low-income families and distressed neighborhoods, she has developed collaborations with churches that are actively supporting children and families. "We build upon our mutual interests to promote such things as early childhood literacy, healthy eating and exercise habits, and the availability of additional resources for families in their congregations."

Thanks to Franklin, Best Start is currently in collaboration with Let's Move LA at First AME to bring a healthy lifestyle message, nutrition education and physical activity and fitness programs to children and their families throughout South Los Angeles. Let's Move LA is the west coast arm of First Lady Michelle Obama's national Let's Move! campaign to end the epidemic of childhood obesity.

"At the heart of Best Start is an effort to bring together those who live, work, worship and serve in these communities to create environments that support the growth and development of young children," explained Franklin. We can do this by building upon important resources in the faith-based communities."
For more information visit www.beststartla.org.