AGENCY UPDATE
Head Start Funding Helps to Expand Childcare Across Marin County
Big news! Community Action Marin is proud to announce the expansion of high-quality early education to 638 childcare slots (up from 500) with a renewed program model and an award of federal funding from the Office of Head Start. In addition, CAM and Child Start are delighted to partner on increased services through Family Childcare Homes with a focus on hiring more contracted providers in targeted neighborhoods where there is the greatest need.
“This partnership and leverage of federal investment with Head Start will strengthen our community,” shared Chandra Alexandre, CEO. “We are eager to continue building the strong collaborations that are a hallmark of early childhood education in Marin County so that people can access the high-quality childcare services that they want while also ensuring family well-being, economic mobility, and pathways to stabilization—and beyond.”
Here’s what this growth means for Marin:
- Growing from 10 to 20 Family Childcare Homes
- Expanding Las Palmas (Novato) and San Pedro (San Rafael) childcare sites
- Increasing early childhood education services by more than 20%
We were honored to see this story featured on the front page of the Marin Independent Journal last month. At a time when the future of Head Start is in the national spotlight, this local story of partnership and possibility shows what’s possible when we invest in children and families.
Read the full Marin IJ article: camarin.org/blog/press-coverage/head-start-marin-ij
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STAFF AND CLIENT INTERVIEWS
Stories That Inspire Change
Every story has the power to inspire change. At Community Action Marin, we’re honored to uplift the voices of our clients and staff—the people who embody our mission every day. Together, we’re working to break down barriers to create better opportunities and brighter futures here in Marin. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we share stories of resilience, determination, and hope.
GIVE TODAY!
NOW AVAILABLE!
The 2025 Family Resource Guide is Here
Each year, Community Action Marin develops the Family Resource Guide with the most up-to-date information from service providers across the county, helping thousands of people to find what they need to live, work, and thrive.
Whether you are seeking affordable housing, access to healthy meals, in need of affordable, high-quality early childhood education, or other critical supports, this guide will help you find the right people across Marin County to help you, your neighbors, friends, and family.
Available in English and Spanish, the guide is online and distributed throughout Marin. Please take a look, share it widely, and stay connected to the resources that strengthen our community.
English Resource Guide Guía de recursos para la familia
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LEADING WITH EQUITY
Raising Entry-Level Pay to $24/hour
We’re proud to announce that Community Action Marin has raised our entry-level pay to $24/hour. With over 225 staff, we are one of the county’s largest employers and Marin’s largest social service nonprofit, supporting thousands each year.
“This decision reinforces our commitment to staff who themselves face everyday challenges,” said CEO Chandra Alexandre. “They are the heart and hope of our agency. The work they do helps people and changes lives.”
Board Treasurer Mike Smylie added, “Through careful financial stewardship, leverage of existing dollars, and strategies that maximize the impact of unrestricted funding, we’ve been able to do what many say is impossible in the nonprofit sector.”
Advancing a livable wage is what anti-poverty movement building requires—and we’re leading the way.
Read the complete press release: camarin.org/blog/press-coverage/24-entry-level-wage
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GROWING STRONG
Social-Emotional Learning at Our Children’s Centers
At Community Action Marin’s Children’s Centers, learning goes beyond letters and numbers. Using the Second Step Social-Emotional Curriculum, a 25-week program filled with songs, puppet shows, and hands-on activities, educators help children recognize and manage their feelings in healthy, sustainable ways. By nurturing minds and hearts, we’re laying a strong foundation that builds brighter futures for every child.
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT
CAM’s 6th Annual Staff Picnic
What a day! Our 6th Annual Staff Picnic was filled with laughter, connection, and plenty of sunshine at McNear’s Beach in San Rafael. With delicious food, fun games, exciting raffle prizes, and even face painting, it was all about celebrating the incredible people who bring Community Action Marin’s mission to life every day. Here’s to our amazing staff—you are the heart of this work, and we’re so grateful for all that you do.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Thank You, Jeff Babcock!
Join us in celebrating Jeff Babcock for his outstanding service as Board Chair at Community Action Marin from 2023 to 2025! Jeff’s dedication, vision, and heart have strengthened our board and deepened our commitment to building a more equitable Marin for all.
“Jeff came to Community Action Marin after time on the Marin County Civil Grand Jury, really leaning into service,” shared CEO Chandra Alexandre. “He led and learned with heart, strengthening board culture and engagement as board chair the past two years. I know he will continue his board work with us as a source of inspiration.”
Thank you, Jeff, for your dedication and the lasting impact you’ve made!
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Thank You for Standing with Us
Every success you’ve read about this month is made possible through your belief in our mission. Whether you volunteer, partner, donate, or spread the word—you are part of an anti-poverty movement building equity, opportunity, and thriving futures in Marin.