Dear friends,
This summer, Community Action Marin has taken bold steps to deepen our impact—from opening new preschool classrooms in San Rafael to expanding how we assess and respond to family needs across the county. These efforts reflect what’s possible when we work together to build a Marin where everyone can thrive.
Whether you’re a long-time partner or new to our work, I want to thank you for standing with us. Our shared belief in equity, care, and community drives everything we do toward better outcomes across Marin. With every classroom launched, every family supported, and every system improved, we move closer to a future where opportunity is truly accessible to everyone.
With gratitude,
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CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES
New Classrooms, New Possibilities
Community Action Marin has proudly opened two new preschool classrooms at the San Rafael Early Learning Center at Short School! This vital expansion increases access to free and affordable high-quality early education for families in San Rafael—offering wraparound support that integrates learning, family well-being, and community care.
“At Community Action Marin, we’re honored to partner with San Rafael City Schools to share a space where learning, belonging, and possibility come together for young children and their families,” said Chandra Alexandre, CEO of Community Action Marin. “Our family advocates will strengthen trusted relationships and assist with the transition from preschool to Transitional Kindergarten. Working with SRCS teachers and leaders at the campus, Community Action Marin staff will bring wraparound support to all families at the Early Learning Center.”
Located in the Gerstle Park neighborhood, these classrooms will serve up to 32 children ages 3–5. On-site, families also benefit from transitional kindergarten, early intervention, special education, and after-school programs. This collaboration with San Rafael City Schools creates a strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE
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FROM CRISIS TO THRIVING
A New Tool for Lasting Impact
We’re excited to share the launch of CAM’s Crisis to Thriving scale, a powerful tool to track how families are doing—and how we’re helping them thrive. This new system, along with a centralized intake model, is transforming how we deliver services across Marin.
“The assessment helps us better understand how families are doing across key areas like housing, childcare, income, and food security—and tailor services to meet their changing needs,” shared Kelly Slatery, Senior Manager of Data Analytics.
Our thanks to Novato Unified School District, North Bay Children’s Center, and North Marin Community Services for partnering with us on this critical work. Together, we’re creating stronger referral pathways and greater efficiencies to help children and families break the cycle of poverty.
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AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Honored by Marin Magazine—Twice!
We’re thrilled to be named one of Marin Magazine’s Best of the County 2025 in TWO categories:
🤝 Best Community Services in Marin
🥬 Best Food Insecurity Nonprofits in Marin
This honor belongs to everyone in our community—our staff, partners, volunteers, and supporters—who make this work possible. Thank you for believing in a more just and thriving Marin for all.
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CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES
Comfort Buddies for Our Littlest Neighbors
Thanks to the generous team at BioMarin, 60 hand-made Build-a-Bear “Comfort Buddies” were delivered to children in our Family Child Care and Home-Based Programs.
Delivered by our dedicated Home Visitors and Family Advocates, these special bears are more than toys—they’re symbols of love, comfort, and community care.
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ECONOMIC JUSTICE
Celebrating Peer Support Specialist Training Graduates
Congratulations to the twelve students in our third Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist training cohort for completing an intensive 80-hour course! Their dedication and strength reflect what’s possible when lived experience becomes a source of healing and connection for others.
As a state-approved training provider, Community Action Marin offers a pathway into the behavioral health workforce for individuals with experience in mental health or substance use recovery. Peer Support Specialists play a vital role in helping others navigate their own recovery journeys with dignity and hope.
Learn more about the program
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STAFF COUNCIL SPOTLIGHT
Equity from the Inside Out
Meet our amazing Staff Council! 🎉 At Community Action Marin, we’re committed to building a workplace rooted in equity and well-being for all 225+ team members. The voices and perspectives of our staff matter, and the Staff Council channels that input to shape goals and initiatives that strengthen well-being and influence positive change from within. Join us in celebrating this remarkable group!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Celebrating Early Education with Copperfield’s Books
We’re honored to join Copperfield’s Books and acclaimed authors Blair Imani and Mychal Denzel Smith for an event spotlighting the power of early childhood education. This event uplifts the work of SonomaCAN, Child Start, and CAM in advocating for free and affordable early learning across the North Bay.
📍 Saturday, August 9 at 5:30pm
📍 Copperfield’s Books, Petaluma
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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.