In November, the First 5 LA Board of Commissioners approved funding for 15 Los Angeles County organizations to implement projects for the second cycle of First 5 LA's Community Opportunities Fund [0] (COF). COF represents a new approach for First 5 LA that dedicates funding to assist organizations with internal capacity building as well as policy and advocacy projects. The intent of the fund is to strengthen programs and improve systems to provide long-term support for children and families.

COF's two separate types of grants enable a range of projects to be supported. For example, one of the organizational capacity building projects will involve the development of an earned-income strategy [0]. This will help address the agency's long-term financial sustainability by adding a new and uncommon revenue stream. One of the policy and advocacy projects, directly aligned with First 5 LA's Policy Agenda, will advocate for increased access to oral health care by pregnant women.

"I commend the 15 selected agencies for their tremendous work in the community," said Evelyn V. Martinez, First 5 LA's executive director, following the Commissioners' approval. "I look forward to a fruitful partnership in working toward our shared vision to improve the health, safety, and school readiness of children throughout L.A. County."

To learn more about the Community Opportunities Fund, please visit www.first5la.org/cof [0], or email cof@first5la.org [1]. First 5 LA congratulates the following second cycle COF grantees:

 

Organizational Capacity Building

Center for Nonviolent Education and Parenting

Childcare Information Service

Counseling 4 Kids

The Help Group Child and Family Center

Miller Children's Hospital Lactation Program

Mission City Community Network

Pathways LA

QueensCare Family Clinics

South Central Los Angeles Regional Center

Village Family Services

Venice Family Clinic

Westside Infant-Family Network

 

Policy and Advocacy

Breastfeeding Taskforce of Greater LA

Community Coalition

Maternal and Child Health Access

 

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