ADVOCACY
Measure P: Supporting Early Education, Strengthening Marin
A child’s early years are the foundation for everything that follows. But Marin County is experiencing a childcare crisis driven by exceptionally high costs, limited access, and a shrinking provider workforce. More than half of Marin’s children ages 0–12 with working parents don’t have access to high-quality early education.
Hear from a veteran Novato teacher, parent, and grandparent about why high-quality early education matters—not just for children, but for Marin’s future. This fall, Marin voters will have an opportunity to take action for Marin’s children. Vote YES on Measure P.
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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
October is Head Start Awareness Month
For over 60 years, Head Start has helped children and families build strong foundations for brighter futures. As Marin County’s Head Start grant recipient, Community Action Marin is proud to carry that legacy forward.
In our classrooms, children learn through play, build friendships, enjoy nutritious meals, and develop healthy habits that support them far beyond their early years. Families also receive connections to resources and support tailored to their needs. That’s what makes Head Start so much more than early learning. It’s a comprehensive approach to helping children and families thrive.
Today, proposed changes to federal Head Start performance standards could significantly impact how programs serve families. For families in Marin, these changes could mean losing access to Head Start or facing limits on the comprehensive services that support children’s healthy development.
“Everyone in our community should care about what happens to Head Start,” shares CEO Chandra Alexandre in a Marin IJ op-ed. “When children enter kindergarten ready to learn, ready to build relationships, and ready to be part of their community, we all benefit.”
Head Start strengthens children, supports families, and helps build a stronger Marin for generations to come. Learn more about what’s at stake and why protecting access to comprehensive early childhood services matters to our community.
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Bree’s Journey from Parent to Educator
Thank you to the Marin IJ for highlighting one of Community Action Marin’s very own educators. ChaBrea “Bree” Hall first began her journey with early childhood education when she enrolled her own son in our early childhood education program at just six months old. From there, Bree was connected to our apprenticeship program that has put her on the trajectory to building a strong foundation where she and her family can thrive. We’re proud to have Bree as part of the Community Action Marin team and grateful to the Marin IJ for sharing her story!
Read Bree’s Letter to the Editor
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Make a Difference in Marin!
Community Action Marin has new volunteer opportunities for individuals, students, skilled professionals, and groups looking to give back. Whether you want to support children and families, lend your professional expertise, help at a community event, or bring your team together for a hands-on service project, there are meaningful ways to get involved.
Explore Volunteer Opportunities
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BOARD SPOTLIGHT
Welcome Sarah McNamara
Welcome Sarah McNamara to our Board of Directors! Sarah is a business leader with more than 25 years of experience spanning marketing, operations, sales, and organizational growth.
Her early career as a lifestyle marketer included leadership roles where she developed consumer-focused brands and strategies designed to create meaningful connections with customers. Today, through North Trail Advisory, Sarah advises organizations on improving operational efficiency and building sustainable growth.
At Community Action Marin, she translates this corporate and advisory expertise into community impact bringing a practical, results-oriented approach to expanding the agency’s capacity to disrupt poverty and serve local families.
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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.