By Katie Kurutz
First 5 LA
Comment

First 5 LA, a funding organization whose revenues come from cigarette and tobacco taxes has begun its community-driven effort, Best Start, in four regions throughout South Los Angeles. Best Start brings together community residents and leaders — including parents, nonprofits, local business owners, faith-based organizations and other neighbors — to create a plan for how best to serve the children and families living in Compton, East Compton, Watts-Willowbrook, West Athens and Broadway-Manchester.

Best Start has four main goals it focuses on for children, ages 0-5 years old. These include: children are born healthy, children maintain a healthy weight, children are safe from abuse and neglect, and children are ready to enter kindergarten.

As the first step in this effort, Best Start is holding a series of meetings in each South L.A. Best Start community. All members of the community are encouraged to attend these meetings to learn more about Best Start, and get involved in helping to shape a positive future for children and families. Food, childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Transportation will be available upon request. If you missed the first meeting, don’t fret…come to meeting #2!

Watts-Willowbrook

All meetings will be held at:
Charles Drew University – Keck Auditorium

Meeting #2: Wednesday, April 20, 2011, 10 am – 12 pm http://wattsapril20.eventbrite.com/

Meeting #3: Wednesday, May 18, 2011, 10 am -12 pm
http://wattsmay18.eventbrite.com/

Meeting #4: Wednesday, June 01, 2011, 10 am -12 pm
http://wattsjune1.eventbrite.com/

Or RSVP to: Tina Chinakarn, Program Officer
,

Compton

All meetings will be held at:
Compton Unified School District – Board Room

Meeting #2: Tuesday, April 19th, 1 pm – 3 pm http://comptonapril19.eventbrite.com/

Meeting #3: Wednesday, May 11th, 1 pm – 3 pm http://comptonmay11.eventbrite.com/

Or RSVP to: Amy Williams-Banfield, Program Officer
,

Broadway-Manchester

All meetings will be held at:
Christian’s Community Center

Meeting #2: Thursday, April 28, 2011 1pm-3 pm http://bmapril28.eventbrite.com/

Or RSVP to: Marvin Espinoza, Senior Program Officer
,

West Athens

Meetings will be held at:
Chester Washington

Meeting #2: Thursday, April 26th, 12 pm – 2 pm http://westathensapril26.eventbrite.com

Or RSVP to: Aimee Loya Owens, Program Officer
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