Along with hundreds of leaders from across the country, CDF-CA Executive Director Shimica Gaskins participated in The Obama Foundation’s MBK Rising event to synergize efforts to support boys and young men of color.
The February event brought together those working to break down barriers that too often leave our Black and brown boys at a disadvantage. For two days, participants listened to speakers, including President Barack Obama and Steph Curry, talk about the interconnectedness of race, gender and sexual orientation.
The president launched My Brother’s Keeper initiative five years ago to make sure every child feels valued, safe and supported by their community. This initiative resonates with CDF-CA as our work is centered around this very same concept.
More Featured Updates
Ending School Lunch Shaming in California
Starting January 1, 2018, school officials will no longer deny a student their school meal, offer an alternative “shame sandwich” meal or publicly shame students for their unpaid meals fees.
Key Legislation Awaits Governor’s Signature
The California Legislature ended their 2017 session last month with the passage of a number of bills that will help level the playing field for children.
LBUSD misallocated millions in funds meant for high need students
In a response to an administrative complaint brought by parents and community organizations, including CDF-CA, the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) has found that the Long Beach Unified School District misallocated $24 million in funds meant to increase or improve services for high need students last year.
Marching Forward to End Child Poverty
Thanks in large part to the hard work and advocacy of partners like you, California took a big step last month to support working poor families.
Gearing up for CDF Freedom Schools
t’s that time again. Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® sites in California will begin enrolling this month.
Celebrating Mothers: Cierra Gunderson
Speaking from a point of view of being “motherless,” surrounding myself with different women has really helped mold and shape me into the woman I’m becoming today.
Celebrating Mothers: Florencia Valenuela
My older sister, Marcy, has been my mother figure since the age of 12.
Celebrating Mothers: Timothy Walker
The word mother is a word that seems to always go with so many other words - powerful, leader, compassion, and so many more.
Raising Confident, Successful Adults
Denise knows that it takes a village and that is why she participates in the Children’s Defense Fund Parent Engagement Institute, a pilot program spearheaded by CDF-CA in partnership with Success In Challenges in Long Beach. The skills and tools she gains through the Institute she shares with her daughter and son-in-law.
Alleviating the Burden
Laura Greenwald and Claudia Alvarado both have the same fear: a new and even worse health care repeal proposal by Republican leaders will destroy the safety net that helped their children get the medical equipment and care they need to thrive.