Who We Are

First 5 Butte County Children and Families Commission, a unit of local government is governed by a nine-member, and two alternate, commission with independent authority over the strategic plan and local trust fund.

Same sex couple hold their baby son close to their chest as they smile at him. They are hugging their son tight as he smiles looking out into the distance.

Mission

First 5 Butte County Children and Families Commission works collaboratively with partners and community members to build a healthy, integrated system of support for young children and their families and caregivers.

A father lying down with his newborn baby daughter sleeping on his chest.

Vision

Every child in Butte County will have the opportunity for a resilient, thriving future through a nurturing, supportive network of families, caregivers, and their community.

Guiding Principles

The following guiding principles reflect the core values of First 5 Butte and guide its work:

Dependability

Being present, engaged, and visible in our efforts to advocate for and respond to the needs of children, families, and the community.

Cultural Humility

Interacting with partners and families with deep respect and sensitivity to a wide range of (racial and) social identities that affect child development and families in complex ways.

Trauma-Healing

Using our understanding of how trauma and stress affect people’s lives to support healing and ensure we are compassionate in our work.

Inclusivity

Cultivating a professional culture in which everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.

Responsible Stewardship

Practicing transparent and wise stewardship of resources to put the needs of children and families first and ensure they receive the greatest possible benefit.

Balanced Decision-Making

Weighing empirical data with local feedback and needs in making decisions, and allowing for flexibility and innovation in responding.

History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children.

Nelson Mandela

Commissioners

DeAnne Blankenship

DeAnne Blankenship

Commissioner

Dr. Shelley Hart

Dr. Shelley Hart

Vice Chair

Scott Kennelly

Scott Kennelly

Commissioner

Dr. Holly Kralj

Dr. Holly Kralj

Commissioner

Matt Reddam

Matthew Reddam

Commissioner

Tami Ritter

Tami Ritter

Commissioner

Seng Yang

Seng Yang

Commissioner

Rumneet Kullar

Dr. Rumneet Kullar

Alternate Commissioner

Paul Arnold

Paul Arnold

Alternate Commissioner

Executive Staff

Anna Bauer

Anna Bauer

Executive Director