Join Wendy and Heidi for an in-depth conversation exploring how First 5 Modoc began using AmeriCorps to support preschool classrooms and how that small start has grown into a powerful model for building career pathways and bringing parenting support to some of California’s most rural and isolated communities.

Despite challenges from recent budget cuts, Modoc remains deeply committed to this work. Like many rural regions, they lean on strong relationships, community grit, and shared purpose to keep moving forward.

Tune in to hear how this small county is making a big impact.

What keeps families thriving in some of California’s most remote rural areas? Join Heidi and Wendy as they talk with and learn from Gordon, Shasta County’s Head Start Executive Director with over 20 years of passion and purpose!

From serving 3 counties to delivering whole-child, whole-family care, this episode dives into what makes Shasta Head Start a lifeline for families — and (spoiler alert ) it’s all about the PEOPLE.

Discover how evidence-based practices, human connection, and community commitment are creating real change — and why YOU should care.

In this series on Advocacy and Awareness, we will hear from many counties and champions for NorCal kids who are actively pivoting and working to fill gaps where services have been cut; specifically in programs like AmeriCorps, SNAP, and Head Start.

Join Heidi and Wendy as they discuss the looming changes to services for children and families, the impacts these have already had on our infrastructure in the North State, and how First 5s and First 5 champions can support and advocate moving forward. Our youngest children depend on these critical supports. So, it is essential that we understand, act, and uplift each other together.

Please take a moment to review these important resources:

Number of children impacted

The First 5 Center’s post breaks down how many children (birth to age 5) in each county rely on Medi-Cal. You can find that breakdown here: More than half of California’s children from birth to five rely on Medi-Cal.

https://first5center.org/blog/more-than-half-of-californias-children-from-birth-to-five-rely-on-medi-cal

Harmful policy impacts

This overview explains how Medicaid work requirements would create additional financial and health burdens for California families with infants and toddlers: Medicaid work requirements threaten to place additional financial strain on California families with infants and toddlers.

https://first5center.org/blog/medicaid-work-requirements-threaten-to-place-additional-financial-strain-on-california-families-with-infants-and-toddlers