The First 5 program is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
First 5 California was created after voters passed Proposition 10 in 1998, which added a 50-cent tax to each pack of cigarettes sold to fund the program. It focuses on providing education, healthcare, childcare and other services to parents, caregivers and children up to five years old.
In Santa Barbara County, the program has invested more than $65 million to support children and families through various programs and initiatives.
First 5 leaders and county officials gathered for a special celebration on Wednesday in Solvang.
“We want to make sure that we’re making an impact to how we influence and how we expand conversations beyond First 5,” said Wendy Sims-Moten, First 5 Santa Barbara County Executive Director.
Click here to learn more about the First 5 program in California.
