Partnerships Make a Difference

Together we can make sure that all children in our county get the best possible start. First 5 Santa Barbara County works closely with partners across our community in all of our work—parents, grandparents, child care providers, business leaders, elected officials, dentists, therapists, family services providers, teachers—anyone who cares for, and about, young children. Join us and make a difference for your children by volunteering in your community.

If you are currently a funded partner of First 5 Santa Barbara County, visit the Funded Partners Resources page for the latest information......

Partner Spotlight

The best partnerships are based on mutual goals and a shared vision. That’s how First 5 Santa Barbara County connected first, with Emerald Wave Media, and then with Dr. Robert McGhie.

Augusto Ruiz is Emerald Wave Media’s General Manager. Augusto came to Santa Maria to take advantage of a unique opportunity to run a radio station group that serves a diverse and tight-knit community. And he came to Santa Maria to raise a family that includes his two-year-old son.

Augusto and Sofia Lariz, Emerald’s Sales Manager, oversee three stations; Mega 97.1 FM, La Buena 105.1 FM and Radio Ranchito 1600AM. Sofia works closely with First 5 Santa Barbara County staff developing our parent education projects for Emerald’s listeners. Sofia also introduced us to OB-GYN Dr. McGhie, who’s been delivering babies in North County for more than twenty-five years. Dr. McGhie is now sponsoring an important new parent education campaign in Santa Maria for Welcome Every Baby helping us get out information about breastfeeding, postpartum depression and the dangers of drug and alcohol use by pregnant women.

Our Impact

We know that our investments are having a positive impact on young children and families in our community. Click here: to see some of the changes that we have seen as a result of our community investments and partnerships.