First 5 LA

We were established in 1998 after California voters approved Proposition 10, an effort to fund health, safety and early education programs for children prenatal to age 5 through revenue from tax on tobacco products. A local First 5 commission was created in each of the state's 58 counties to administer Proposition 10 funds, which are allocated based on each county's birth rate. Our Strategy We serve as a grantmaker, community partner, trendsetter, change agent, facilitator, founder and catalyst. First 5 LA is committed to the well-being of children in our diverse communities. The First 5 LA 2009-2015 Strategic Plan (go to www.first5la.org) serves as a roadmap in helping us make a positive and lasting impact on expectant parents and children ages 0 to 5. Our five core values - families, communities, results, learning and advocacy - guide us in building public support for targeted programs that address the needs of young children and their families. Mission: First 5 LA's mission is to increase the number of LA County children ages 0 to 5 who are physically and emotionally healthy, ready to learn, and safe from harm. By investing more than one billion dollars from tobacco tax revenues in the last 12 years, First 5 LA has turned a negative habit into positive programs that benefit L.A. County's youngest kids.