Champions for NorCal Kids

In the first episode of our series, "it takes a village to raise readers", Wendy and I share our personal journeys in literacy — the moments, mentors, and experiences that shaped how we see reading and the power it has in kids’ lives.

Joe Chimenti is a board supervisor for District 1 in Shasta County. He is a husband, father of four, and a resident of Shasta County since 1996.  Join Wendy and Joe as they discuss the importance of a Father figure and talk about Joe's fatherhood journey. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @championsfornorcalkids Email Heidi: hmendenhall@first5tehama.com Email Wendy: wdickens@first5shasta.org first5shasta.org | first5tehama.org

Jake Mangas is the President and CEO of the Redding Chamber of Commerce. Join Wendy Dickens and Heidi Mendenhall as they discuss the importance of a Father figure and talk about Jake's fatherhood journey. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @championsfornorcalkids Email Heidi: hmendenhall@first5tehama.com Email Wendy: wdickens@first5shasta.org first5shasta.org | first5tehama.org

Kevin O’Rourke serves as the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services and the Chief Executive Officer for North State Together. Join Wendy Dickens and Heidi Mendenhall as they discuss the importance of a Father figure and talk about Kevin's fatherhood journey.  FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @championsfornorcalkids  Email Heidi: hmendenhall@first5tehama.com Email Wendy: wdickens@first5shasta.org  first5shasta.org | first5tehama.org 

In a world racing from AI to algorithms, this episode of Champions for NorCal Kids reminds us that literacy still starts somewhere much more familiar: homes, classrooms, libraries, and small towns.We sit down with Kathy Garcia, Executive Director of Expect More Tehama, to talk honestly about the raw data behind literacy outcomes, the challenges rural communities face, and the better side of rural work that doesn’t always make headlines: deep relationships, shared responsibility, and communities that refuse to give up on their kids.This conversation connects Tehama County’s literacy movement to the broader North State, showing how local action, aligned systems, and committed partners can shift outcomes. Not with hype, but with heart, strategy, and persistence.Because in rural communities, literacy isn’t a trend... It’s a promise.

In this episode of NorCal Champions for Kids, we’re breaking new ground on a topic that matters for families, educators, and community champions across Northern California: Early Literacy in Rural Communities.We dive deep into provocative conversations and bold questions, the kind that make you rethink assumptions and spark action.Hot Take #1: “Book deserts hit rural communities harder than food deserts — but we talk about them less.”In cities and towns across the country, discussions about food deserts have dominated headlines and policy actions. But what about book deserts, places where families struggle to access books, reading materials, and literacy resources? We explore:Why book access is essential infrastructure for children’s development.How limited access to books affects vocabulary growth, school readiness, and lifelong learning.What it means for rural counties like Shasta and Tehama — where long distances, few libraries, and limited bookstores create real barriers families face every day. Hot Take #2: “Home literacy matters more than preschool literacy in rural communities.”Formal preschool programs are vital, but what happens when they simply aren’t accessible due to geography, cost, or capacity? In rural places, early literacy often starts at home. So should we rethink where and how we invest?We unpack:The case for parent coaching over classroom hours alone.The power of book distribution programs and in-home reading support.How home visiting programs can meet families where they are — literally and figuratively.Whether funding should pivot to support literacy strategies that work within rural realities, not just urban models. We also explore questions like:Is access to books a civil right?Can community champions step in where systems fall short?How can innovative programs create literacy ecosystems rooted in rural strengths rather than deficits?Whether you’re a parent, educator, policymaker, or community supporter, this episode will give you new ways to think, and act, on early literacy for every child, everywhere. Tune in, join the conversation, and help us champion a future where every child in NorCal has the books, support, and opportunities they deserve.

Join Wendy and Heidi for an in-depth conversation exploring how First 5 Modoc began using AmeriCorps to support preschool classrooms and how that small start has grown into a powerful model for building career pathways and bringing parenting support to some of California’s most rural and isolated communities.Despite challenges from recent budget cuts, Modoc remains deeply committed to this work. Like many rural regions, they lean on strong relationships, community grit, and shared purpose to keep moving forward.Tune in to hear how this small county is making a big impact.

What keeps families thriving in some of California’s most remote rural areas?  Join Heidi and Wendy as they talk with and learn from Gordon, Shasta County’s Head Start Executive Director with over 20 years of passion and purpose! From serving 3 counties to delivering whole-child, whole-family care, this episode dives into what makes Shasta Head Start a lifeline for families — and (spoiler alert ) it’s all about the PEOPLE. Discover how evidence-based practices, human connection, and community commitment are creating real change — and why YOU should care.

In this series on Advocacy and Awareness, we will hear from many counties and champions for NorCal kids who are actively pivoting and working to fill gaps where services have been cut; specifically in programs like AmeriCorps, SNAP, and Head Start.Join Heidi and Wendy as they discuss the looming changes to services for children and families, the impacts these have already had on our infrastructure in the North State, and how First 5s and First 5 champions can support and advocate moving forward. Our youngest children depend on these critical supports. So, it is essential that we understand, act, and uplift each other together.Please take a moment to review these important resources:Number of children impactedThe First 5 Center’s post breaks down how many children (birth to age 5) in each county rely on Medi-Cal. You can find that breakdown here: More than half of California’s children from birth to five rely on Medi-Cal.https://first5center.org/blog/more-than-half-of-californias-children-from-birth-to-five-rely-on-medi-calHarmful policy impactsThis overview explains how Medicaid work requirements would create additional financial and health burdens for California families with infants and toddlers: Medicaid work requirements threaten to place additional financial strain on California families with infants and toddlers.https://first5center.org/blog/medicaid-work-requirements-threaten-to-place-additional-financial-strain-on-california-families-with-infants-and-toddlers

Join us for an exciting conversation during the week of the young child, where we talk about local events and opportunities for families with young children in our community. Visit CAEYC here: https://caeyc.org/board-chapters/chapters/california-cascade-chapter/

Join podcast co-hosts and First 5 Executive Directors of First 5 Shasta and First 5 Tehama as they reflect on the year through data. Getting to know First 5 through data is a powerful way to monitor the effectiveness of early childhood programs and policies. Data helps identify needs, track progress, and make informed decisions about how to best support young children and their families. 

Join us for a lighthearted and fun conversation for our local First 5 Fall Favorite activities and experiences. Sometimes we can all use a reminder of how to play in nature, enjoy the small moments and regulate our nervous system through connection. Together, we share some of the ways we celebrate fall and do all these things keeping the light hearted feeling of childhood in our hearts. 

Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness has an extra special meaning to us this year. Co-host Wendy Dickens bravely and boldly shares key learning moments; vulnerable moments; and hard moments of her personal journey with Breast Cancer. There is something breathlessly special about being welcomed into someone's journey before they are through the tunnel- this podcast is just that. If you are experiencing your own hard tunnel; or you are a community member, parent, educator, or friend supporting someone through theirs this podcast is for you. In true rural Northern Ca fashion Wendy shares with us her relational learnings.

Join us for an extra special episode where we celebrate awareness of the National Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and learn about common the "NICU"  through our very own co-host Wendy's personal experience having an infant in the NICU as a new mom. Wendy will share her top strategy for supporting new parents with similar experiences and empower us all to advocate as families. We consider the need for families to feel heard and share two critical resources:  Postpartum Support NICU Family Support

In this episode Wendy and Heidi discuss tips for keeping our kids safe in the water, tell you about some options for where to swim and how to be safe in the water on those hot summer days.

In this episode we have a compilation of our past discussions of home visiting. Featuring guests like: Tarrah Selland of Northern Valley Catholic Social Service & TAPP Teen SVCS, Denise Hobbs R.N. P.H.N, and Amy Hobbs of Nurse Family Partnership. The episode not only discusses the resources available in regards to home visiting, but also some personal anecdotes about the benefits of home visiting. Enjoy this exciting episode and get in touch with us via the contact information below! Email Heidi: hmendenhall@first5tehama.com Email Wendy: wdickens@first5shasta.org first5shasta.org & first5tehama.org

In this episode, Wendy and Heidi give us tips about utilizing holidays like Valentine's day to encourage our children, help them develop emotionally, and strengthen our bond with them.

Quality Counts North State uses a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early care and education programs. In this episode, Wendy and Heidi chat with Alexis Duffy about QCNS and more.

"🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 Introducing the 'Top Ten Series! 🎙️ Join us on this thrilling journey as we dive into impactful conversations with incredible advocates for our NorCal kids. 🌈 Episode 1 kicks off with Wendy and Heidi, shedding light on the POWER of literacy. 📚✨ Tune in for insights, inspiration, and a whole lot of championing for our little ones! 🎉 Let's champion together! #ChampionsForNorCalKids #TopTenSeries #LiteracyMatters #ShastaCounty

In this enlightening episode, Wendy and Heidi engage in an insightful conversation with Mary Ann Hansen, Executive Director of First 5 Humboldt County, and her colleague Jennifer Gonzalez, Community Engagement Coordinator and Family Support Navigator at First 5 Humboldt.  The focus of this episode centers around their collaborative effort, the "Hiking Humboldt KIDS” Mary Ann and Jennifer delve into the motivations and inspirations that drove them to create this innovative guide, rooted in the principles of the Surgeon General's Stress Busters. By utilizing these stress-reduction techniques, they've crafted a resource aimed at mitigating toxic stress among families and children. The guide encourages outdoor exploration, aiming to foster learning, relationship building, and personal growth through the wonders of nature. Tune in to discover how this hiking guide provides a pathway for families to not only embrace the great outdoors but also nurture the development of meaningful connections, all while promoting overall well-being and resilience. Join the conversation as they share their valuable insights and experiences, igniting a passion for nature-based education and empowering families to embark on an enriching journey together. Hiking Humboldt Kids is available in English and Spanish.  Learn More:  https://www.first5humboldt.org/hiking-humboldt-kids-brings-excitement-to-explore-the-outdoors/ Book Link: https://backcountrypress.com/book/hiking-humboldt-kids/ Get in touch and let us know what else you'd like to hear on our podcast! Email Heidi: hmendenhall@first5tehama.com Email Wendy: wdickens@first5shasta.org first5shasta.org & first5tehama.org