Mendocino County’s children will be happy and healthy which will be reflected in its future thriving adults.

We strengthen early childhood systems and supports needed to ensure that Mendocino County’s young children are safe, healthy and ready to thrive in school and life.

The first 5 years of life are the most critical for brain development. In fact, 90% of a person’s brain is developed before they turn 6.

FIRST 5 Mendocino is unusual, in that it widely disperses its funds throughout the entire county. Living in a rural county can sometimes mean that resources are hard to find or get to. By working with other organizations, FIRST 5 Mendocino attempts to reach the majority of our population.