The Children's Collective, Inc.

During May, CalFresh Healthy Living (CFHL) health educators visited all TCCI preschool sites to conduct gardening lessons. Kids learned about seeds and that they need sunshine and water to grow. CFHL staff set up a gardening area at each site using raised garden beds and box planters, depending on the space available. Every child had the opportunity to plant and water their own seeds. Kids will continue to care for their seedlings as they grow throughout the summer. When edible fruits and vegetables develop, children will be included in the harvesting process and will be able to try a fruit or vegetable from their classroom’s garden. In previous years, preschool sites grew mostly squash, radishes, and carrots. This year CFHL educators decided to plant a variety of seeds, with each site planting their own mixture of fruits and/or vegetables. Depending on the size of the planter and amount of sunlight available in their outdoor space, kids planted beets, bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, cilantro, crookneck squash, eggplant, onion, oregano, radishes, snap peas, tomatoes, watermelon, and zucchini!

TCCI’s Black Infant Health Program (BIH) hosted a Spring Resource and Recruitment Fair for BIH participants and community residents at the Curtis Tucker Center for Community Wellness in Inglewood, CA. Eighty to one hundred guests attended and learned about BIH and other local community organizations. Community partners joined the fun as vendors and guests enjoyed delicious food from Hampton’s Catering, music, and dancing. The LAPD South Traffic & Safety Division also joined us as LAPD officers provided car seat safety education and conducted demonstrations on proper car seat installation. Children and adults alike delighted in getting their faces painted by Face & Fairy Face Painting, and we helped promote holistic care products by LeAnn’s Wholistic Hands, a black woman-owned small business founded by a former BIH participant. We were thrilled to showcase samples of her healthy and natural products including cranberry-ginger shots, and sea moss which guests were able to try.

The fair was not only a great opportunity for BIH staff to recruit new participants, but a wonderful occasion for BIH participants, their families, and community members to learn and socialize while having fun in a safe and welcoming environment. It was great to see several BIH mothers with their babies as there was a strong sense of support and community. Guests participated in raffles where baby monitors, baby clothing, Moby wraps, and other baby-related items were given away. Baby 2 Baby donated diapers and wipes.

The fair provided opportunities to grow and strengthen relationships between organizations and the community as a whole. BIH thanks businesses/organizations that supported this event: Aldi Groceries, Baby 2 Baby, CA Civil Rights Department, Community Loving, CBWH, Dept. of Mental Health, Eisner Health, Frontline Doulas, Irth App, Lait Sucre Lactation, Mother’s Nutritional Center, Phenomenal Angels, Primerica, Raising Canes, Roads Community Clinic, Sisters Against Drive-Bys, St. John’s Community Health, The Suckle Center, UC Milk Bank, Umma Community Clinic, Vita Tax Prep, and WIN-LA

In partnership with the Angel City Links, the Florence Child Development Center had a visit from the Colgate Dental Van. Children and families in the community received a free dental screening and learned more about dental hygiene. A bonus was that all children were able to take home a free dental hygiene kit. TCCI staff enjoy working with the Colgate Dental Van. We are currently arranging visits at our remaining child care centers. We are so grateful that Colgate provides such a wonderful service to our families and surrounding communities.

“Serving Meals Family Style”

The Children at the Collective have the opportunity to learn social etiquette through family-style meals. Family-style meals encourage learning and development at the table as well as away from mealtimes. Food is presented in serving bowls with appropriate cutlery and plates. The children serve themselves and talk with each other and the teachers at mealtime.

Family-style meals can help the child:

• Build confidence with practice.
• Strengthen the small muscles in the child's hand.
• Learn how much to eat.
• Talk and connect with others.

The FamilySource Center (FSC) program year is ending with a bang! The FSC has served over 3,200 individuals, provided over $275,000 in financial assistance to help families become self-sufficient, and hosted numerous programs and services to support our community. Although the program year is ending, we do not plan to slow down! TCCI will host our 3rd annual Juneteenth Resource Fair on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024. During this fair, families will engage with multiple community resource partners, receive food boxes, and enjoy the day with family-friendly activities. The FSC is also recruiting youth for our annual Summer Learning Program. TCCI College Advisors will facilitate educational workshops, create engaging interactive projects, and provide mentoring to youth to increase academic achievement and future success.