Childhood Trauma Action Team Mendocino - CTAT

04/29/2025

Redwood Community's Tule House pin wheel garden for Childhood Abuse Awareness Month.

04/29/2025

The Nest. Redwood Community Services Pin wheel garden for Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month

04/29/2025

Redwood Community Services -The Harbor pinwheel garden for Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month.

04/29/2025

Clearlake office of Redwood Community Services pin wheels for Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month

04/19/2025

Please share and help save Head Start! It is a vital resource!

Dear Community Members,

We want to share important news that deeply impacts our children, families, and the wellbeing of our entire community. The proposed federal budget for 2026 includes the complete elimination of funding for the Head Start program.

Since 1965, Head Start has provided critical, no-cost services to children and families across the country. These services include early education, support for children with disabilities, assistance for families experiencing homelessness, pregnancy and postpartum support, and help for military families. This proposal would end those vital services for thousands of local children.

But the impact goes far beyond the classroom.

If funding is eliminated, all of our 11 Head Start sites throughout Lake and Mendocino County would be forced to close, resulting in the loss of over a hundred jobs for dedicated teachers, support staff, and administrators who live, work, and raise their families in our communities. Parents would lose access to essential childcare, making it harder for them to maintain employment or pursue education. Many families would face impossible choices between work and staying home to care for their children.

The broader community would feel the economic impact as well. Our program relies on local vendors to provide food, supplies, maintenance, and other services. Without Head Start, we would no longer be able to support these local businesses. Fewer purchases, higher unemployment, and reduced economic activity would create a ripple effect that touches everyone in our region.

We believe this proposal may be intended to gauge public reaction. That means our voices matter—right now, more than ever. You can help by displaying the “We Support Head Start” flyer in your place of work, business, or community space. Please also consider scanning the QR code to send a message to your elected representatives, it only takes a minute. Share this message widely with others who care about the health and future of our community.

Head Start has been changing lives since 1968 in our community alone. Over 750,000 children were supported just last year nationwide through Head Start classrooms. It supports healthy child development, strengthens families, and helps build a stable, thriving local economy. But it only exists because people have stood up for it. Now it’s our turn.

Please be assured that this proposal does not impact our services for the remainder of this school year. Any changes that may affect the next school year will be communicated clearly and promptly.

Thank you for standing with us—and for believing that every child, every family, and every community deserves the opportunity to reach their highest potential.

You can sign the letter from the National Head Start Association here - https://nhsa.org/take-action/

Coast Opportunities, Inc.

04/17/2025

1st 5 Ukiah's Pin wheels for Child abuse awareness prevention month.

04/15/2025

Redwood Community Services Pin Wheel Garden for Child Abuse Awareness Month.

04/15/2025

1st Five on the Coast window display for Child Abuse Awareness month.

04/15/2025

1st District Supervisor Maureen Mulheren's Pin Wheel Garden for Child Abuse Awareness Month.

04/15/2025

Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians entry in the Pin Wheel Contest for Child Abuse Awareness Month.

04/03/2025

Join us starting at 10am tomorrow for our annual Child Abuse prevention awareness walk in ukiah! Second event is tomorrow in Willits at 2pm! We hope to see you all there!!!

04/01/2025

TODAY STARTS THE MONTH WE BUILD MORE AWARENESS AROUND CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION.

PROCLAMATION SIGNED BY THE BOS

WHEREAS, in Mendocino County in year 2024, 2244 suspected child abuse/neglect reports were received with1067 needing investigation resulting in 225 substantiated allegations. Mendocino County Child Welfare and community partners support on average monthly, 271 children, youth and nonminor dependents involved in the Juvenile Dependency Court
WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect is a serious problem affecting every segment of our community, and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone; and
WHEREAS, our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of Mendocino County; and
WHEREAS, child abuse can have long‐term psychological, emotional, and physical effects that have lasting consequences for victims of abuse; and
WHEREAS, protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk and promote the social, emotional, and developmental well‐being of children; and
WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the partnerships created between child welfare professionals, education, health, community‐ and faith‐based organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and families; and
WHEREAS, communities must make every effort to promote programs and activities that create strong and thriving children and families; and
WHEREAS, we acknowledge that we must work together as a community to increase awareness about child abuse and contribute to promote the social and emotional well‐being of children and families in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment; and
WHEREAS, prevention remains the best defense for our children and families.