CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES
Celebrating Our Young Learners and Welcoming a New School Year
This summer, we celebrated the bright young graduates of our Children’s Centers as they took a big step forward—heading into kindergarten with confidence, curiosity, and joy. Each milestone reached is a reminder of what’s possible when children have access to free and affordable high-quality early education in Marin.
As the new school year begins, the cycle of learning continues. Some children are joining our programs for the very first time, while others are returning and transitioning into new classrooms. After a short summer break, our centers are once again filled with the sounds of discovery, laughter, and care.
Recently, the families of more than 500 children came together at our sites to meet teachers and Family Advocates, learn about the year ahead, and explore the spaces where their children will grow. These gatherings embody the heart of our Whole Family Approach, offering wraparound support and access to programs across CAM for all generations.
We’re excited for another year of growth, exploration, and deep connection. Together, we’re helping to ensure every child in Marin has the strong start they deserve.
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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Community Comes Together
for Early Education
Thank you to Copperfield’s Books for hosting a beautiful gathering in support of free and affordable high-quality early education in the North Bay.
Author Blair Imani and librarian Mychal Threets shared their love of books, learning, and community, lifting up the importance of creating bright futures for every child and family. Their energy and insights helped spotlight the collective work of Sonoma CAN, Child Start Inc., and Community Action Marin.
“This was a great event with two of the most positive, affirming people I’ve heard in a long time!” said Sean Casey, Board President. “We’re so grateful they donated the proceeds of their book sales that evening to local agencies, including Community Action Marin. I love our local business supporters!”
Moments like this show what’s possible when neighbors, partners, and local businesses come together to support the common good!
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Young Leaders Making an Impact
Congratulations to our summer interns! Through Community Action Marin’s “Inspiring the Next Generation of Changemakers” internship program, these bright young leaders (ages 15–24) spent eight weeks working side by side with our team, developing valuable skills in leadership, teamwork, and civic engagement.
“I thought it was a great experience to learn more about our community and its inner workings, as well as CAM’s,” shared Eve, a junior at San Marin High School. “I learned many new things I didn’t know about, like how things are run in operations (which I worked in) and how much really goes into the community each day. Through my time at CAM over the summer, I grew more and more interested in the work and in learning more about what’s going on in the community and how I can help out.”
We are cheering for them as they take their next steps as leaders and changemakers in our community!
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ECONOMIC JUSTICE
Advancing Financial Mobility for Marin Educators
Wells Fargo recently hosted a Self-Care and Financial Education workshop for our Early Care & Education Pathways to Success (ECEPTS) apprentices and Family Childcare Network (FCC) providers. This session on savings and budgeting is just one example of how they’re helping strengthen Marin’s early education workforce.
“We’re proud to celebrate a powerful partnership that’s helping build brighter futures across Marin,” shared Kristopher Budi, Senior Director of Economic Justice. “A heartfelt thank you to Wells Fargo for their continued support in advancing financial mobility for our community!”
By investing in the people who care for and educate our youngest learners, we’re strengthening Marin’s early education workforce and creating lasting impact for children, families, and providers alike.
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CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES
Engaging Young Minds Through Active Exploration
Educators at our Children’s Centers are unlocking exciting ways to engage children in unique learning experiences. In a recent workshop, they explored “provocations”—intentional, hands-on setups that encourage children to imagine, problem-solve, and discover in their own unique way. From literacy and math to sensory and social-emotional, these experiences motivate children to learn and explore. At Community Action Marin, we’re all about nurturing bright futures by making every moment of learning meaningful.
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ADVOCACY
Backing Immigrant Families with Access to Essential Services
Last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a policy change to reinterpret a 30-year-old law to further restrict access to several essential services based on immigration status. In effect, this change would deny lawfully present immigrants’ access to community health centers, substance use care, Head Start, and other essential programs.
Restricting access based on immigration status harms not only children and families, but also the collective well-being of our communities and nation. That’s why we joined advocates across the country to oppose this harmful change on multiple fronts.
CEO Chandra Alexandre authored an opinion piece published in the Marin IJ in July and rallied cross-sector leaders to join us in speaking out. We submitted a statement of opposition from CAM and created a related action alert on our website, encouraging others to submit comments. Community Action Marin was also pleased to join a joint comment submission opposing this harmful attack on immigrant families.
“Community Action Marin is proud to stand with members of the Protecting Immigrant Families Coalition and more than 350 organizations nationwide in opposing the federal government’s recent actions to limit immigrant families’ access to vital services,” said Gina Guillemette, Chief Strategy Officer. “Immigrants are our loved ones, neighbors, coworkers, caregivers, and friends. Their well-being is our well-being.”
Several states (including California) filed a lawsuit to temporarily halt implementation of this policy change. As of today, enforcement of the policy change is currently suspended, and we will continue to monitor progress.
Our position remains steadfast: when families have access to high-quality early education, healthcare, and recovery supports, everyone benefits.
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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.