Serving the children and families of East Bakersfield!

Ed De La Vega

children_first1

CF serves the families of East Bakersfield.
3/8- Storytime at the Park
3/20- Food Dist.
3/29- Neighborhood Cleanup

At yesterday’s Storytime at the Park event, I ha

At yesterday’s Storytime at the Park event, I had the chance to ask two young readers a few questions—one in English and one in Spanish—about the book we read and their thoughts on the event.

Their responses were so thoughtful and touching. It was a beautiful reminder of how reading comprehension is key to building literacy. The ability to confidently express what a story means, how it connects to our own lives, and how it fosters gratitude for what we have is invaluable.

A huge thank you to Michael and Uriel for sharing your reflections in these video testimonials! You both have bright futures ahead. ✨

#literacymatters #eastbakersfield #readingoutloud #readingcomprehension

Our second Storytime at the Park took place yester

Our second Storytime at the Park took place yesterday, and what a heartwarming experience it was! We came together to read in English and Spanish, reflect on the story, create art, play, and share a meal. Strangers became friends, and together, we made new core memories.

A huge thank you to @bako.lit.society for being our guest readers this month! @celspalacio and @bohons_ brought the story to life, seamlessly transitioning between English and Spanish—you are both superstars!

Shoutout to Miriam from @thebmoa for leading our arts and crafts station! The kids loved making postcards of love and gratitude chains after reading From North to South, a powerful story about family separation and deportation.

We’re also grateful for @sleepycavazos, @ana_raey, and @carlos_bello__ for volunteering—whether it was running the sound system, handing out sandwiches, or helping clean up, your support made everything run smoothly. And of course, special thanks to @sleepycavazos for keeping the vibes on point! 🎤🎵🎶

Mark your calendars—our third Storytime at the Park is happening on 4/12/25! In the meantime, check out these upcoming Storytime at the Park events:
📚 3/15 – @lovefromabovecommunity at Patriot’s Park
📚 3/22 – @bzpbakersfield at Heritage Park
📚 4/5 – @3g_activities at Saunders Park

Peace out East Bakersfield ✌🏽

#LiteracyMatters #EastBakersfield #ReadingOutside #CultureOfLiteracy #bakersfieldevents

Good morning, good afternoon or good evening depen

Good morning, good afternoon or good evening depending on when you’re reading this!

Our second Storytime at the Park event is on March 8, 2025! Join our guest readers @bako.lit.society as they read From North to South by Rene Lainez in English and Spanish. We will follow up our readings with some engaging arts/crafts activities related to the book with the assistance of @thebmoa.

Snacks and refreshments will also be provided along with a portable restroom. Looking forward to another great event!!
#eastbakersfield #cultureofliteracy #readingcommunity #readingoutdoors #bakersfieldevents

Another neighborhood cleanup in the books today! A

Another neighborhood cleanup in the books today! A small but mighty crew came out to clean the streets/alleyways on Williams, Brown, Monterey and Haley streets. Thank you to board members @tere_quintana10 and @carlos_bello__ for joining us! As well as 2024 summer intern @with.belenn , @lucid_being_ and Christina! We were able to pickup 45lbs of trash today! Please join us next month for our next cleanup on 3/29/25! Until next time, East Bakersfield ✌🏽💚
#eastbakersfield #cleanup #volunteering

Join Us for a Neighborhood Cleanup This Saturday!

Join Us for a Neighborhood Cleanup This Saturday!

Looking for a way to give back? Come out this Saturday from 10:00–11:30 AM and help us beautify the streets surrounding our pocket park! We'll provide all the supplies—you just need to bring comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, and a willingness to make a difference.

Every small effort adds up, and together, we can create a cleaner, more beautiful community. If you're interested in volunteering, feel free to reach out. We’d love to have you there! 🌿#eastbakersfield #neighborhoodcleanup #community #volunteering #bakersfieldvolunteers

Celebrating Our First Storytime at the Park Event

Celebrating Our First Storytime at the Park Event on 2/8/25!

We’re so grateful for the amazing collaboration with the @bookitbakersfield team from @forddreambuilders — their students and advisors were incredible partners, and it was a joy to work together from start to finish!

Our first book was I Can Do Hard Things/Yo Puedo Hacer Cosas Difíciles by Gabi Garcia, a beautiful story that encourages positive affirmations to help kids face life’s challenges with confidence. It was a hit, especially with the related art activities led by Miriam from @thebmoa, which attendees got to take home!

A special highlight: participants created handprints on four little libraries built by the @bookitbakersfield team, which will be installed throughout East Bakersfield. You can already find one at the David Nelson Pocket Park — ready for the community to enjoy!

✨ Save the date for our next Storytime at the Park: March 8, 1-3 PM! Expect another great book, arts, and crafts fun.

A big thank you to @3g_activities, @hmakesithappen, for their support at the event and to our other Storytime at the Park friends @lovefromabovecommunity and @bzpbakersfield — give them a follow to support their upcoming events!

An additional shoutout for the hygiene kits, books and stuffed animals provided by @wswfoundation !! Thank you for always providing us with thoughtful resources.

Photos by: @bookitbakersfield

#cultureofliteracy #eastbakersfield #endilliteracy #storytimeatthepark #community

Next Thursday marks our second food distribution o

Next Thursday marks our second food distribution of 2025! We invite you to join us—whether as a volunteer or by spreading the word to those in need. Our distribution offers two options: a walk-up line for individuals without transportation and a drive-thru line for those with vehicles.

If you'd like to sign up as a volunteer in advance, simply use the link in our bio or visit our website. Navigate to the "Food Distribution" tab and click on the registration form to secure your spot. Your support helps us serve the community! #eastbakersfield #fooddistribution #foodinsecurity #volunteering

Mark Your Calendars! Join us for our first-ever S

Mark Your Calendars!

Join us for our first-ever Storytime at the Park next Saturday 2/8/25 from 1-3 PM! The first 20 families in attendance will receive a free copy of our Book of the Month, I Can Do Hard Things!

A huge thank you to @forddreambuilders and their @bookitbakersfield team for providing additional books, as well as snacks and refreshments for attendees!

This free community event is designed to inspire a love of reading while creating a fun, interactive space where families can read, learn, and play together.

Special Activities:

📖 Interactive Art Activity – Led by @thebmoa instructors, inspired by I Can Do Hard Things / Yo Puedo Hacer Cosas Difíciles.

🎨 Little Library Box Art Station – In partnership with Ford Dream Builders’ ‘Book It’ team, families will help decorate four new Little Library boxes, which will be placed throughout East Bakersfield. One will be installed at David Nelson Pocket Park and another at Jefferson Elementary School, helping expand book access for local families.

We can’t wait to see you there!
#eastbakersfield #endilliteracy #cultureofliteracy #bakersfieldevents #communityevents

Hello, Bakersfield! We’re excited to bring Stor

Hello, Bakersfield!

We’re excited to bring Storytime at the Park to a park near you! In partnership with @3g_activities, @lovefromabovecommunity, and @bzpbakersfield, we’ve organized a monthly series of events that promote literacy, mindfulness, creativity, and fun for families in our community.

Inspired by the @kernliteracycouncil model launched last fall, we recognize the growing need for family-friendly activities as our city faces increasing rates of illiteracy. Together, we’re creating engaging spaces where children and families can learn, grow, and connect.

Join @3g_activities this Saturday at Saunders Park from 1–4 PM! Check out the flyers for more details, and feel free to reach out with any questions about the individual events.

Help us spread the word! We can’t wait to see you this Saturday and in the months ahead!

#Community #LiteracyMatters #ReadTogether #EastBakersfield #Collaboration

Today, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we hosted a

Today, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we hosted a community art event to honor his legacy and reflect on the profound impact of his work. Special thanks to @thebmoa for leading the creative activity and to @bookitbakersfield for participating and partnering with us on an exciting new project next month (stay tuned!)

We’re also incredibly grateful to @aerotek, @eddie_sagal, Andrew, Zach, Pedro, and Ingrid for not only helping serve but also assisting with trash cleanup in the park and surrounding neighborhood—all while joining in the art activities.

It was endearing to welcome a new family to the area who stopped by to participate, as well as another family who joined in. Together, we engaged in meaningful conversations about Dr. King’s message and the ongoing struggles with poverty and discrimination he so powerfully addressed during his time.

“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Until next time, East Bakersfield ✌🏽
#EastBakersfield #Community #martinlutherkingday

Happy Friday, everyone! 🎨✨ We’re excited t

Happy Friday, everyone! 🎨✨

We’re excited to collaborate with @thebmoa to host a community art project this coming Monday in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day! 💛✊ This is a chance for us all to come together, reflect on Dr. King's incredible legacy, and express our thoughts and creativity through art.

✨ What to expect:

All materials will be provided.
We’ll be working collaboratively on one large shared canvas, creating a powerful piece of community art.
Everyone is welcome—bring your imagination and your voice to this meaningful event! Let’s honor the spirit of unity and love that Dr. King inspired in us all.

We can’t wait to create with you! 🖌️ #MLKDay #CommunityArt #celebratetogether #eastbakersfield

Join us next Thursday for our first food distribut

Join us next Thursday for our first food distribution of 2025! Spread the word to those in need! Spread the word to those who would like to volunteer from 2PM-6:30 PM. Setup: 2-4PM; Distribution: 4PM-until food runs out; Cleanup: 5:30-6:30PM. Reach out if you would like to volunteer. See you all next week! #eastbakersfield #foodinsecurity #fooddistribution #community #volunteer

Happy New Year everyone! To kick off 2025, we are

Happy New Year everyone! To kick off 2025, we are hosting our first Neighborhood Cleanup of the year this Friday with @volunteerbigkern! We extend a warm invitation to local residents and community volunteers to join us in the collective effort to pick up litter in the vicinity, covering Brown, Williams, Monterey, Lake, and Haley Streets. All necessary equipment is provided, and participation is open to everyone. The program's overarching goal is to instill a sense of pride and ownership among local residents, fostering a community-driven commitment to the cleanliness of their neighborhood. Join us! #eastbakersfield #neighborhoodcleanup #keepbakersfieldbeautiful

One of the standout moments for Children First in

One of the standout moments for Children First in 2024 was providing every student at Williams and Jefferson Elementary Schools with a $20 voucher for their annual Book Fairs. Thanks to the Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation, this project allowed us to put books directly into the hands of 1,043 students, sparking joy and supporting a culture of literacy in East Bakersfield.

Check out this video showcasing the process and the excitement of the children we serve! Like BCSD, we are dedicated to fostering a love for reading, and this initiative was one of the ways we achieved that goal this year.

Looking ahead, we’re determined to replicate this success in 2025 but we need your support to make it happen! Visit childrenfirstbakersfield.org/donate to help us continue empowering children and building a brighter future for East Bakersfield.

Together, we can keep inspiring young readers! #eastbakersfield #literacymatters #bookfairs #cultureofliteracy

Spreading Joy and Literacy in East Bakersfield! T

Spreading Joy and Literacy in East Bakersfield!

Thanks to a generous community grant from @kernfamilyhealthcare, we had the privilege of giving gifts to every kindergartener at Williams and Jefferson Elementary Schools today! Each student received a custom-made hoodie designed by the talented @jenwillco to promote a culture of literacy in East Bakersfield, along with other essential items.

We are so grateful to all the amazing volunteers who got the process rolling at yesterday’s food distribution and to the dedicated parents at both schools’ FACE Centers, who helped finish assembling the gift bags this morning. Your teamwork made this possible!

A special shoutout to Sonia and the @wswfoundation for donating stuffed animals, which were gifted to the TK students—such a thoughtful and heartwarming addition!

Hearing from staff members that many of these children might not have received a present otherwise truly touched our hearts. Knowing we could brighten their day, even for a little while, means the world to us.

We are deeply grateful for our enduring partnership with Williams Elementary and excited about our growing connection with Jefferson Elementary. We are here for you, committed to supporting your students and families however we can.

#CommunitySupport #PromotingLiteracy #EastBakersfield #PartnershipsMatter #kindnessinaction

Our final food distribution of 2024 is officially

Our final food distribution of 2024 is officially in the books! Thank you @capkfoodbank!

A massive thank you to all the incredible volunteers who made it happen. Special shoutout to Jayme and her team at Amazon—your organization and efficiency helped the entire event run seamlessly. You all were amazing!

A big thank you to the Chase employees and Iron Worker Union workers who showed up to lend a hand and to the @foothill_trojans students who came early to help set up—you all embody the spirit of community!

To our OG volunteers, we are continuously grateful for your dedication, not just this year but throughout the years. Your consistent support truly makes all the difference.

A big thanks as well to our board members, @mr.gonsalez and @not.today.ra, for rolling up your sleeves and contributing to the success of the day.

Lastly, a BIG thank you to @wswfoundation and Williams Elementary School for all of the donated hygiene kits, socks, beanies, and gloves!

We’re ready to kick off Year 5 in 2025. We love you and will always be here for you East Bakersfield!

Mark your calendars for our next distribution: January 16, 2025. See you there!

#EastBakersfield #CommunityStrong #VolunteeringMatters #EndingFoodInsecurity #fooddistribution

English: Hello, Bakersfield! It’s time to make a

English:
Hello, Bakersfield!
It’s time to make a difference! Our final food distribution of 2024 is happening next week, and we need your help to make it a success. This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to our community, support those in need, and share kindness during the holiday season.

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers for:

Setup: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Food Distribution: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Cleanup: 6:00-7:00 PM*. Every helping hand makes a big impact, ensuring the process is smooth and efficient for everyone. Please share this announcement with friends, family, and anyone who may benefit from this event. Let’s end the year strong by coming together as a community.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Spanish:
¡Hola, Bakersfield!
¡Es momento de marcar la diferencia! Nuestra última distribución de alimentos de 2024 será la próxima semana, y necesitamos tu apoyo para que sea un éxito. Esta es una gran oportunidad para retribuir a nuestra comunidad, apoyar a quienes más lo necesitan y compartir solidaridad durante la temporada navideña.

Estamos buscando voluntarios entusiastas para:

Preparación: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Distribución de alimentos: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Limpieza: 6:00-7:00 PM* Cada mano amiga tiene un gran impacto, asegurando que el proceso sea ágil y eficiente para todos. Comparte este anuncio con tus amigos, familiares y cualquier persona que pueda beneficiarse de este evento. Terminemos el año unidos como comunidad.

¡Estamos emocionados de verte allí!
#EastBakersfield #HungerRelief #FoodDistribution #BakersfieldEvents #CAPKFoodBank 🍎

This month, we served 325 families—the highest n

This month, we served 325 families—the highest number we’ve seen this year. While this reflects the growing need in our community, it also highlights a sobering reality: food insecurity continues to impact many families in our area.

This effort wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible volunteers. From neighborhood residents to high schoolers, young professionals, and retirees, our diverse volunteer team came together to provide supplementary food boxes filled with dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and chicken, thanks to @capkfoodbank.

Special shoutout to @mobiledumpsbakersfield for helping us clean up after our food distribution! Please follow them, and if you need mobile dump services, reach out!

We’ll be back next month on December 19, 2024. Please help us spread the word and join us.

Important reminder: There are two distribution lines—one for vehicles and one for walk-ups (for those without vehicles).

Volunteers are welcome to arrive as early as 2 PM and can stay until 7 PM (end times may vary).

Thank you to everyone who supported this month’s distribution. Together, we can continue addressing the needs of our community. We hope to see you in December!

#eastbakersfield #foodinsecurity #fooddistribution #community #volunteerwork

ENG: Hello Bakersfield! It’s been a while, but o

ENG: Hello Bakersfield! It’s been a while, but our 11th food distribution of 2024 is happening next week! We need your help to distribute food to those in need and spread the word to others who could use some extra support. We especially need volunteers from 2-4 PM for setup and from 4-6 PM during the distribution. The more hands we have, the smoother the process will be for everyone! Let’s come together to make a difference. See you next week!

SPN: ¡Hola Bakersfield! Ha pasado un tiempo, pero nuestra 11ª distribución de alimentos de 2024 será la próxima semana. ¡Necesitamos tu ayuda para distribuir alimentos a quienes lo necesitan y para correr la voz a otros que podrían beneficiarse de apoyo adicional! Necesitamos especialmente voluntarios de 2 a 4 PM para la preparación y de 4 a 6 PM durante la distribución. ¡Cuantas más manos tengamos, más fácil será el proceso para todos! Unámonos para marcar la diferencia. ¡Nos vemos la próxima semana!
#EastBakersfield #HungerRelief #FoodDistribution #BakersfieldEvents #CAPKFoodBank 🍎

Yesterday was a day full of curiosity and love for

Yesterday was a day full of curiosity and love for the outdoors! In partnership with @kernnaturecenter, @littlehikersofbakersfield, @claggs_kayak_rentals, and the incredible David Hanley and Doug Lemmons, we provided families with a variety of unique experiences at Hart Park. From learning hiking safety during a guided hike to discovering the fascinating world of marine science and Megalodon history, the day was packed with learning. Families also engaged in reptile safety demonstrations, getting hands-on with a gopher snake, toad, red-eared slider turtles, and enjoyed creative crafts. To top it all off, we ended with a peaceful kayak and paddle boat ride with the ducks! It was inspiring to see so many brave participants facing their fears and embracing nature.

This program is funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services.

#eastbakersfield #outdoorequity #outdoorequitygrant #familynatureday #outdooreducation #littlehikersofbakersfield #kernnaturecenter #claggskayaks

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