The Link Advocates, Governments, Families, and Parks Initiative (Link)
The Link Advocates, Governments, Families, and Parks initiative (Link) is working to create a model for collaborative engagement of residents, advocates and government partners to build healthier communities for children and families by engaging meaningfully in a community-driven planning process that lays the foundation for local infrastructure funding.
The Link model supports community-led organizations in building civic and planning capacity to access funding for parks and other forms of public infrastructure in a way that addresses the priorities of residents and families in the communities where it’s needed the most.
For years, parents and residents in the First 5 LA’s Best Start communities have elevated concerns that the lack of investment in the built environment – the human-made elements where families live, work, and play – affects early childhood development, learning and family well-being, especially their physical and mental health and social connection, particularly for families that are socially isolated.
As communities have been working to address these issues, there was a simultaneous shift in the financial and political context in Los Angeles County as it relates to the built environment. Unprecedented public will and investments emerged due to the 2016 passage of Measures A (parks/open space) and M (transportation/mobility) as well as a Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors 2017 motion to address food insecurity – the culmination of which has led to a transformative moment for L.A. County.
In response to this moment, the Los Angeles Funders’ Collaborative, made up of 12 funders including First 5 LA, commissioned the “Measures Matter” report written by the University of Southern California Program for Environmental and Regional Equity (now known as the USC Equity Research Institute). The report identified a key barrier to expanding open space in low-income neighborhoods as a lack of capacity amongst government agencies and community-based organizations as well as a lack of inclusion of residents in the decision-making process. This result of this has been resource distribution to wealthier areas rather than lower-income areas, which directly impacts the health and well-being of kids who do not have access to parks and open spaces as a result of their zip code.
To enact the strategies outlined in the report, First 5 LA, following a motion from the Board of Commissioners in July of 2019, established a strategic partnership with Resources Legacy Fund (RLF) to form the Link Advocates, Governments, Families, and Parks initiative (Link). The Link initiative was modeled after a successful collaboration to advocate for improvements in Zamora Park in the City of El Monte between members of Best Start El Monte/South El Monte, Trust for Public Land (a nonprofit park developer), and El Monte city officials. The project resulted in funding from The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, $3.7 million grant from the California Natural Resources Agency, and $2.3 million in federal Community Development Block funds obtained by the city.
1. Build capacity in under-invested communities to leverage funding.
Link is partnering with four communities that are within the 14 Best Start communities. This will allow Link to pilot various aspects of the program including the creation of multi-sector partnerships and multi-benefit projects.
2. Ensure that parents and residents have a voice in decision-making and that the funding meets the needs of children and families.
Link partners are collaborating with parents and residents in the Best Start communities to develop a Community Park Plan. This plan will outline the community’s priorities for park and open space, ensuring that the leveraged funding responds to their needs.
3. Partner with L.A. County Regional Parks and Open Space District (RPOSD) to integrate Link into the TAP program for Measure A.
First 5 LA has partnered with RPOSD who oversees the distribution of Measure A funding. As part of this, RPOSD is developing a Technical Assistance Program (TAP) to help municipalities and nonprofits apply for funding. RPOSD is using Link as a potential model for the TAP program.
Initially, the Link model is being advanced in four of First 5 LA’s Best Start Communities. These communities have an activated group of residents working on policy, systems and environmental changes to benefit families with children ages prenatal to five. The first Link pilot sites include:
San Gabriel Valley, City of El Monte
Community Partners: Active SGV and Trust for Public Land
South East Los Angeles, Cities of Cudahy and Maywood
Community Partners: Communities for a Better Environment and Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust
San Fernando Valley, Panorama City
Community Partners:
Pacoima Beautiful and the City of Los Angeles
Broadway-Manchester
Community Partners:
Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, T.R.U.S.T. South LA, and Community Coalition
In addition to launching these pilot sites, the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation will evaluate how the Link process works and identify lessons learned to apply to Link’s expansion. Link is also working closely with key stakeholders that are providing in-kind resources including the Los Angeles Regional Parks and Open Space District, Enterprise Community Partners and The Water Foundation.
Resources Legacy Fund (RLF) and The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation –– in partnership with First 5 LA –– have committed resources to advance Link. Under the partnership, RLF contributes to and administers a pooled fund that provides grants and contracts to support community-based organizations, technical assistance providers, and program evaluators to deliver on the vision of Link.
BECOME A PARTNER:
Through these kinds of partnerships, Link funders have the opportunity to improve the lives and public health of millions of people by creating parks, encouraging exercise, reducing pollution, and establishing spaces that welcome all Angelenos to safely enjoy a moment in the outdoors. Link is seeking financial contributions from other funders to increase and enhance the reach of the initiative.
Find out more about becoming a philanthropic partner: jg*******@******la.org
RELATED READING AND REPORTS:
First 5 LA: Pathway To Progress: Indicators of Young Child Well-Being in L.A. County
Measures Matter: Ensuring Equitable Implementation of Los Angeles County Measures M & A
RELATED STORIES:
VIDEO: Covered CA Forum in Watts-Willowbrook
On November 20, 2013 the Watts-Willowbrook Best Start Community Partnership held a meeting on the Affordable Care Act and Covered California. Local experts and organizations came together to provide concrete support to the community by linking them to information, vital resources and health services. The purpose of the meeting was to address concerns about the new health care law, as well as to...
VIDEO: Best Start Metro LA and Panorama City & Neighbors Joint Communications Workgroup
On December 5, 2013, members of Best Start Metro LA and Best Start Panorama City & Neighbors held a joint workgroup meeting at the First 5 LA offices to share and learn about each other’s communications efforts and beyond. Pilar Marrero, journalist of La Opinión Newspaper, made a special appearance to share reporting tips and writing skills to inspire and motivate others in their community...
Belshé Testifies at Blue Ribbon Commission
During a recent meeting of the Los Angeles County Blue Ribbon Commission on Child Protection, First 5 LA Executive Director Kim Belshé spoke strongly about the importance of working together to reduce child abuse and neglect in L.A. County. "No one agency can prevent child abuse and neglect," said Belshé. "Rather, it will take a coordinated and collaborative effort. First 5 LA has been and...
Photo Essay: Panorama City & Metro Best Start Leaders Learn From Reporter
A reporter from La Opinion Newspaper met with leaders from Panorama City and Metro Los Angeles to share reporting tips and writing skills to inspire and motivate others in their community change efforts. The parent and resident leaders left the meeting at the First 5 LA offices with more knowledge and new connections.Pilar Marrero, Political Senior Reporter for La Opinión Newspaper, took time to...
Potluck in El Monte – Sharing Health and Making Friends
Last night the South El Monte and El Monte Best Start leaders hosted a holiday potluck at Spiritt Family Services in South El Monte. The potluck was an opportunity to bring friends and introduce them to Best Start. Potluck attendees walked out with concrete ideas on how to eat healthier and stay fit during the Holidays.The theme of the evening, eating healthy for the holidays, featured two...
Building Stronger Families Framework Implementation Funded for up to $4.6 Million
The First 5 LA Commission is allocating up to $4.9 million in funds to begin implementing the Building Stronger Families Framework within its 14 Best Start Communities.The Best Start framework reflects First 5 LA’s belief that if parents are strong and communities support families, then child health, safety and school readiness will improve. Towards that end, First F LA is partnering with Best...
Local Public Officials and Childhood Advocates Endorse Introduction of President's Pre- School For All Plan
Proponents for early childhood education are supporting bipartisan legislation that will mean expanding access to and quality of early learning programs for children in Los Angeles County and across the nationLOS ANGELES - First 5 LA, Los Angeles County Supervisor and First 5 LA Chairman Mark Ridley-Thomas, Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Dr. John Deasy, the Los Angeles Area...
Faith Based Leaders are Connectors through Best Start
Churches, temples, mosques — these types of institutions are often considered the backbone of a community. And while religious leaders typically use their time with their congregations to depart teachings from their faith, many also see the power in reaching their congregations with education around positive parenting practices.This is why Elder Leon Garrett joined up with Best Start three years...
Watts-Willowbrook Supports Fatherhood Engagement
The Best Start Watts-Willowbrook community partnership was a proud sponsor of the Fifth Annual Los Angeles Million Father March, which took place at Animo Watts Academy on September 28, 2013. Over 250 South LA fathers and families participated in the event, which is part of a national campaign designed to celebrate fatherhood and encourage fathers to play a greater role in their children’s...
Stepping Up to the Challenge in El Monte
On any given day of the week, you can find Elvy Perez, like many parents and residents in Best Start Communities across L.A. County, traveling by bus around the city of El Monte devoting her time and energy to improving the lives of families and children.A resident of El Monte for over 20 years, Elvy has learned to rise up to challenges, big or small. Arriving from Mexico in 1989, she has grown...
