Stories

First 5 Stories

Be inspired by First 5 Tehama and other amazing community partners supporting young children in Tehama County. Together we are creating a community where children and families thrive.

Community Superheroes

As we approach the threshold of summer once again, it’s that magical season that seems to speed by with the swiftness of a superhero. Despite the longer days, summer barely lets us glimpse its extraordinary nature, enticing us to squeeze … Read more

Let’s PLAY Ball

Play ball, hopscotch, Simon says, chase, or hide and seek—springtime beckons us outdoors for endless fun. From baseball fields to parks, backyard BBQs to poolside lounging, families relish in the joy of play. But it is more than just fun … Read more

Annual Reflection Part Two

As promised, we return with the second installment of our Annual Reflection. As mentioned in our initial email, while the data highlights trends and issues, the narratives breathe life into the numbers. Continue reading to discover our next telling story, … Read more

Annual Reflection Part One

The undeniable energy that permeated 2023, evident in commission initiatives, community events, and project-based endeavors, maxed out the positivity meter. However, within just a few weeks of venturing into 2024, it’s evident that this momentum is seamlessly transitioning into the … Read more

Growing Hope

Hope is a communal treasure generously exchanged among us. It thrives in the connections we forge and is never a solitary endeavor. As aptly expressed by Dr. Chan Hellman, a distinguished Professor at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa and the visionary … Read more

Let’s Get Rural

In every professional sphere, a plethora of buzzwords permeate discussions and discourse. Phrases like “data-driven decisions” and “local control” have become universal, shaping our thoughts and guiding our endeavors – whether we willingly embrace them or not. For many of … Read more

Patterns of Expansion

This summer has been amazing, and not just because June presented us with stellar under-100-degree temperatures all month long. It seemed as though the rhythm of our community partners was in the flow of expansion this season. Everywhere we look, … Read more

Waving the Magic Wand

During a recent conversation, Heidi Mendenhall, ED of First 5 Tehama, was posed with the question, “If you possessed a magic wand to promote child and family success, what would that wand do?” This local leader provided a concise yet … Read more

Spring Collaborations

May is an exciting time to live in Tehama County. We just wrapped up the largest three-day rodeo in the country, and now it’s time for the Tehama District Fair. As the school year draws to a close, tiny yellow flowers dot … Read more

Annual Reflection

Like a big breath of fresh air the new year gives us space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our WHY. And, this year, First 5 Tehama has a lot to reflect on – positive change, significant growth, and even … Read more