Serving the children and families of East Bakersfield!

Gabriel Arellano

children_first1

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

We had an amazing time yesterday at our second ann

We had an amazing time yesterday at our second annual Fall Festival Resource Fair! Huge thanks to all our community partners who made this event possible: @cap_kern, @community_interventions, @_safehaveninc, @csub_hep, @beyondthestarsnolimits, @aasta_bakersfield, @kernhealthsystems, @littlehikersofbakersfield, NE Army, and a special thanks to @quebuena1057fm @ollincan.yolotl for the incredible music and dance performances!

From dancing and games to arts and crafts, we created a fun, safe space for our community to come together and make lasting memories while also providing critical resources to those in need. A special shoutout to @ja3lene.lopez and Aliyah for leading the arts and crafts, and to @tere_quintana10 @carlos_bello__ and everyone else who helped organize and clean up. We couldn’t have done it without you! #eastbakersfield #community #resourcefair

An enthusiastic volunteer team—made up of high s

An enthusiastic volunteer team—made up of high school seniors, neighbors, a young family, and a few board members—came together yesterday to help distribute nearly 300 boxes of food to families in need. A huge thank you to our incredible volunteers and an extra big shoutout to @mobiledumpsbakersfield for stepping up once again to help clear out the excess cardboard and leftover materials. We’re also grateful to @capkfoodbank for their continued partnership in serving our community. The families of East Bakersfield truly appreciate the extra support.

Mark your calendars—our next distribution is on November 21, 2024! If you’re able, come join us and make a difference. Every bit of support counts! #eastbakersfield #fooddistribution #foodinsecurity #volunteer

Join us for our Second Annual Fall Festival this F

Join us for our Second Annual Fall Festival this Friday from 4-6 PM! Enjoy an afternoon filled with fun crafts and games for the kids, while our wonderful community vendors share valuable resources and support for East Bakersfield residents. We’re also looking for volunteers to help with the kids' activities—send us a DM if you're interested! Spread the word, and we can't wait to see you this Friday! #eastbakersfield #community#resourcefair #bakersfieldevents

Our 10th Food Distribution is happening next week,

Our 10th Food Distribution is happening next week, and we need your help to spread the word to families in need. We're also looking for volunteers to assist with various tasks throughout the day. Especially, during the 2-4 PM SETUP TIME!!!

Event Details:

Time: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Setup: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Distribution: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Cleanup: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
Your support makes a real difference in the lives of East Bakersfield families, and we’re grateful for your continued dedication to this cause. Whether by volunteering or spreading the word, your involvement means everything to us.

We can't wait to see everyone next week as we come together to serve our community!

Stay safe, stay positive, and stay humble.

#eastbakersfield #fooddistribution #bakersfieldevents #bakersfield #foodinsecurity #volunteerbakersfield

Join us at the Children First Annual Fall Resource

Join us at the Children First Annual Fall Resource Festival!

📅 When: October 18th, 2024, from 4-6 PM
📍 Where: David Nelson Pocket Park - 1511 Niles Street, Bakersfield, CA 93305

🎉 What: A family-friendly event bringing together a wide range of community partners to offer essential resources to East Bakersfield families. From education to health and employment support, this event is all about breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty and building a brighter future for our community.

💡 Why it Matters: Intergenerational poverty is when children raised in low-income households continue to struggle financially as adults. Our mission is to interrupt this cycle by connecting families with the resources they need to thrive—at home, in school, in their careers, and in their neighborhoods.

According to the Brookings Institution, seven factors are strongly linked to a child's future success: education, health, family income and employment, family structure, housing, crime and justice system involvement, and child welfare. Our festival focuses on four critical areas—education, child health, parental employment, and justice system interactions—to empower families and foster long-term change.

🤝 Want to Get Involved?
Are you a community partner or vendor interested in being part of this impactful event? Sign up using the link in our bio! For any questions, feel free to send us a DM.

We look forward to seeing you there and working together to create lasting change in our community! #eastbakersfield #povertyalleviation #childrenfirst #community #collaboration #brookingsinstitute #resourcefair #bakersfieldevents

Our Family Nature Day at Hart Park is back! Save t

Our Family Nature Day at Hart Park is back! Save the date for October 19, 2024. Flyers and the itinerary, in both English and Spanish, are attached.

Join our partners — @littlehikersofbakersfield, @kernnaturecenter, and @claggs_kayak_rentals — for a fun-filled day of activities!

Space is limited to 50 participants, and bus seating is also limited, so register early: https://forms.gle/RLeLCPWTXxwsvj8Z7 or use the link in our bio. Have questions? DM us, and we’ll get back to you. We can’t wait to see you there!

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

Another Heartwarming and Challenging Food Distribu

Another Heartwarming and Challenging Food Distribution in East Bakersfield!

Yesterday, we had the privilege of serving 300 families during our two-hour distribution. A huge thank you to @capkfoodbank for providing such a diverse selection of food items, from frozen shrimp and fish sticks to fresh peaches, apricots, and an assortment of delicious dry goods.

We are incredibly grateful to our amazing volunteers—both returning and new—who came together from different generations to make this possible. Your dedication is the heart of this effort, and we couldn’t do it without you! Shoutout to the BHS Interact Club for showing up after school and helping us!

A special thank you to the Starbucks volunteers @jvrobles5 for consistently showing up to support our mission. And a heartfelt, bittersweet farewell to @b_gacs , who is taking her talents to Seattle. Bailey, we appreciate everything you’ve done for Children First and will miss you dearly!

Thank you as well to our Children First board members for lending a helping hand @mr.gonsalez @not.today.ra @carlos_bello__ @jenwillco. And a big shoutout to Matt Chang from @mobiledumpsbakersfield for collecting and hauling away our leftover cardboard and pallets—if you ever need mobile dumpster services, be sure to reach out to them! Thank you for helping cleanup as well @ollincan.yolotl !

As always, we are humbled by the generosity and unity of our community. Thank you for continuing to make a difference! Until next time! ✌🏽

#eastbakersfield #fooddisribution #foodinsecurity #community #childrenfirst #volunteering

Our Community Reading Program is back for the 2024

Our Community Reading Program is back for the 2024/2025 school year! This year, we’re excited to expand our efforts beyond Williams Elementary to include Jefferson Elementary as well! Today, we kicked off with our first training session, and next week marks the beginning of our 15-week journey. Thank you, @team_bcsd, for partnering with us and helping us extend this vital program to the East Bakersfield community.

At the heart of our mission is breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty by seeking out opportunities and resources that empower East Bakersfield children and families to thrive in school, at home, at work, in their neighborhoods, and throughout their lives.

The Community Reading Program is a key part of addressing one of the core drivers of intergenerational poverty—the achievement gaps that form early in a child’s educational journey. Our goal is to help close these gaps and equip students with the literacy skills they need to succeed and grow into thriving, capable citizens.

Tomorrow, we’ll continue our journey with Williams Elementary School!! Looking forward to it!! Until next time, East Bakersfield.

#eastbakersfield #literacy #intergenerationalpoverty #earlyeducation #literacytutoring #bcsd

Hello everyone! Our 9th Food Distribution is happ

Hello everyone!

Our 9th Food Distribution is happening next week, and we need your help to spread the word to those in need. Additionally, we’re seeking volunteers to assist with distributing commodities from 2-7 PM (Setup: 2-4PM; Distribution: 4-6PM and Cleanup: 6-7 PM)

Last month, we made a few changes to improve safety and efficiency:

The walk-up line was moved inside the park to provide a safer waiting area for our patrons.
The drive-thru line was moved further ahead, allowing for a smoother distribution process.
We will continue with these improvements to ensure a safer environment for our patrons and to reduce the physical demands on our volunteers.

We love serving the East Bakersfield community and look forward to seeing everyone next week!

Stay safe, stay sane, and stay humble.

#eastbakersfield #fooddistribution #bakersfieldevents #bakersfield #foodinsecurity #volunteerbakersfield

Join us! Next Thursday is our eighth food distribu

Join us! Next Thursday is our eighth food distribution of 2024! Spread the word to those who are in need! And spread the word to those who are interested in volunteering to help distribute these boxes of food! Please dress appropriately for the warm weather. We will provide water and will take as many breaks as necessary to avoid overheating out there. We cannot do this every month without your support! Let's work together. #eastbakersfield #fooddistribution #foodinsecurity

Congratulations to our 2024 Summer Interns!! Such

Congratulations to our 2024 Summer Interns!! Such a fantastic group of upstart students and future young professionals!! So proud of all the growth each of them made throughout the 10 weeks we spent together! So many amazing events they put together last week! We really felt the love in the community with all of the families that attended! That’s why we do it! For our community in East Bakersfield!

Great work Jackson Henry @_blksn , Jaslene Lopez @ja3lene.lopez , Ramia Lorein Simon @mialorein , Belen Osorio @with.belenn , Janesse Camarena @nesseec , Edgar Aguilar @aguilariedgar, Maya Medel @f4rtjuice and Thomas Woods @thomaswoods__
Your futures are bright ✨

Big thanks to our sponsors, collaborators, board members and volunteers who participated in our Summer intern Program as well! Could not have done it without you all! @kernfamilyhealthcare @3g_activities @wswfoundation @kernliteracycouncil @theplayfulspace @lylescollegeofbeauty @_.samantha._f @gracelaverriere_tv @not.today.ra @palaciovj @anycia.r @karenncasandraa @celspalacio @andraegonzales @mynxt40yrs @jenwillco @gaahbreel

#summerinternship #eastbakersfield #community

Join us! From its humble beginnings as a fundraise

Join us! From its humble beginnings as a fundraiser for our literacy program, our gala has evolved into one of Bakersfield’s premier Dia de los Muertos Celebrations. Featuring art, music, and dancing in an elegant setting, as it beautifully honors the essence of the holiday. This event will sell out! Get your tickets now! Link in bio.

Presented by @drodriguezlaw

Thank you to our sponsor @charizma.co for this beautiful video of our event!

✨Calling All Literacy Tutors 📚 Are you pass

✨Calling All Literacy Tutors 📚

Are you passionate about reading?
Do you thrive on motivating others to discover the joy of reading?
Can you commit six hours each week for fifteen weeks?

If so, we want to hear from you! Apply today!

The Children First team is dedicated to fostering a love of reading and supporting students at Williams Elementary School. This year, we are thrilled to expand our efforts to include Jefferson Elementary School as well!

Requirements:

• Must have previous experience working as a literacy tutor in a school setting.
• Must have a passion for reading and be able to pass a background check.

Contact Us:

Have more questions? Send us a message or visit the link in our bio to start your application.

We look forward to having you join our mission to foster a love for reading in our community!

Special recognitions: Thank you @karenncasandraa for your story and inspiration! Thank you @celspalacio for your efforts to organize, improve and sustain the program since its inception! Thank you @amen.dez_2017 for believing in our program! Thank you @team_bcsd for your support this school year! And thank you @andraegonzales for founding Children First along with your parents.

Video by: @jenwillco 🖌️

#eastbakersfield #literacy #kernliteracy #childrenfirst #community #tutors #literacytutoring

Get ready for our Week-Long Summer Bash starting n

Get ready for our Week-Long Summer Bash starting next week! Our 2024 Summer Interns have been working hard to plan and organize a series of events designed to bring joy, uplift our community, and provide valuable resources for the upcoming school year.

Spread the word and join us in making this week unforgettable!

For more information about specific events, please reach out to our Summer Interns IG pages as shown below 👇🏽

7/29: Flag Football and Cheer Camp @eb_youthsports

7/30: Pop up Thrift Shop
@reduce.reuse.recycle.project

7/31: Dodgeball + Splash @makeasplash.cf

8/1: Back 2 School Distribution @ebako.backtoschooldist

#eastbakersfield #summerinternship #bakersfieldevents #community #bakersfield #childrenfirst

We’re thrilled to announce that our amazing spon

We’re thrilled to announce that our amazing sponsors are back for the third year in a row! 🙌🏽 Their continued support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to see what this year brings. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!

Presented by: @drodriguezlaw
Marigold Sponsor: @kernhealthsystems
Supporting Sponsor: Sanchez Immigration Law

And we couldn’t do this without the generous donation of talent from: @charizma.co @kumonriverlakes @houseofflowersca and @willisandwilliams

Tickets and Tables on sale now! DM us for sponsorship opportunities.

Join Us Next Week to Make a Difference! We need y

Join Us Next Week to Make a Difference!

We need your help to support those in need, even in the 100°F+ heat. We’ll have plenty of ice-cold water and take regular breaks in the shade to stay safe and hydrated.

What to Bring:
- Sunscreen
- A hat
- Loose-fitting clothes for comfort

The more volunteers we have, the easier the work will be for everyone. Join us in spreading love and care in our community!

Much love from East Bakersfield 💕
- Children First

#fooddistribution #eastbakersfield

Another Family Nature Day in the books for 2024!

Another Family Nature Day in the books for 2024!

Thank you Kern Astronomical Society for providing your knowledge and support to our kiddos and parents who attended today! It was hot but we had an engaging and educational experience today learning about the Sun while also making some fun arts and crafts! Follow Kern Astronomical Society on Facebook for more information about them and what events they have planned for the rest of the year. Thank you @mynxt40yrs and @_yadiraaaaa for assisting today!

Until next time East Bakersfield!

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 #astronomykids #familyoutdoors #outdooreducation

Hello, East Bakersfield! Get ready for another ex

Hello, East Bakersfield!

Get ready for another exciting event this month! Join us for a day of fun and educational outdoor activities at Hart Park. Our partners — @littlehikersofbakersfield, @kernnaturecenter, and @claggs_kayak_rentals — will be leading a variety of activities throughout the day.

Spread the word and register here https://forms.gle/jW1byd3Nbag6ZHXh7 or use the link in our bio. Space is limited to 50 individuals, and bus seats are also limited, so please register early. If you have any questions, send us a DM, and we’ll respond promptly. We can’t wait to see you there!

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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