March 19, 2025
In an adorable teddy bear-themed party, Vallejo’s First 5 Center on Wednesday celebrated its fifth year of service to Solano County families.
The community hub, which offers a variety of emotional and educational support for children up to 5 and caregivers, has seen a 30 percent increase in participation since its opening in 2020.
Whether it be attending early childhood development classes or one of the hub’s many annual events — like the winter coat drive, Mother’s Day tea party, or story time with local libraries — it’s evident that local families are receptive to the much-needed support.
Last year alone, more than 640 children and 710 parents or caregivers received such support in the form of an event, class, or activity. And beyond developmental screenings, child care, and parent-aimed classes, food assistance was among the center’s most sought-after resources.
“It’s unbelievable, the impact that the center has has had on the community,” said Anthony Roberts, Tribal Chairman for the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. “To know that 5,700 plus families have come through here and their lives have been changed for the better, it shows that the decision we made was the right decision.”
In her opening remarks, Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson spoke of the center’s five-year milestone and its founding members’ initial vision to provide local families with a safe haven.
“Today as we stand here, we say that the First 5 Center has not only lived up to this vision but has become a cornerstone in this community,” shared Estrella-Henderson. The first five years of a child’s life, as she described, are “absolutely crucial” in developmental thinking, communication, and literacy.
By providing families with essential services like health care, nutrition, and social services, “the center is in fact building a network that enhances the quality of life” for the Vallejo community.
It was all smiles around the center as children and their families joined in singing “Happy Birthday” in celebration of their milestone. Cupcakes were passed around and children sat patiently for story time, hosted by Chairman Roberts.
Matching the book “A is for Acorn”, Roberts proudly wore an adorned “acorn” necklace, symbolic among the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation as a cherished symbol of common benefit. Reflecting the tribe’s desire to give back, particularly to those in need, “the acorn has always been a huge cornerstone in our tradition and culture,” said Roberts, and seeing that reflected in the center’s celebration, “has meant so much.”
With the necessary support through centers like First 5, “there’s hope and joy in the trajectory of where children will go when they have these safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments,” said Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, Executive Director of First 5 California. “It transforms the community from the heart.”
In attendance with her three little ones was Vallejo resident Alma Luna, who has sought the center’s support since the birth of her first son. As a first-time mother with a plethora of parenting questions, “You’re afraid that something will happen,” she explained.
But it was First 5’s loyalty and patience that brought her some relief. “They helped me with everything,” said Luna. “With CPR classes, diapers, and I learned a lot.”
Luna explained that her three children have grown up under the guidance and educational support of the center. “They’re always there for me — whatever I need, they’ve been able to help me,” she said.