Our Partners
The Early Matters Fresno Coalition is made up of over 50 organizations working together to improve the lives of children and families in Fresno County. From healthcare and education to government and grassroots, our partners represent the full spectrum of people and programs that shape early childhood—and they’re united by one goal: building a better beginning for every child.
When we work together, our impact multiplies. That’s the power of collective action.
How the Coalition Works
Rooted in Collaboration. Aligned for Impact.
Early Matters Fresno isn’t a program or a single organization—it’s a growing coalition designed to break down silos and build up shared solutions. We work across systems to align funding, strategies, and support for families. Our structure includes:
A Cross-Sector Coalition
More than 50 public, private, and community-based organizations advancing aligned priorities across health, child care, and family support.
Collaborating Agencies
A core group of nine agencies with shared accountability for strategy implementation and outcomes.
Backbone Support
Dedicated staff from First 5 Fresno County providing facilitation, data support, and day-to-day coordination.
Shared Strategy
A common vision, measurable goals, and an evolving roadmap for impact—guided by community voice and grounded in evidence.
How We Achieve Goals
From Vision to Action
Behind the scenes of Early Matters Fresno is a carefully coordinated engine of collaboration. From weekly workgroups to long-term strategy, our coalition is grounded in shared purpose and practical action. As a coalition, we:
Unite Experts
We bring together diverse partners — from government agencies to grassroots organizations.
Focus on Community
We match our work to community needs, ensuring resources reflect families’ unique circumstances.
Align Action to Evidence
We identify interventions proven through both research and real-world experience.
Streamline Support
We direct limited resources to the most impactful strategies, maximizing reach and results.
Our Impact
Every number tells a story. Behind every dollar aligned, every child served, and every partner engaged is a community working together to make Fresno a model for early childhood success. Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished so far—and what we’re building toward.
Together, the work of the coalition has already shifted the trajectory for thousands of children—expanding access to health care, early learning, and family supports that build long-term opportunity.
Through cross-sector coordination, we’ve redirected and aligned millions in public investment toward strategies that reflect what works and what families actually need.
Our strength lies in our partnerships. From grassroots organizations to large institutions, our coalition includes a diverse network of voices all working together toward one shared vision.
This is our bold goal for 2035—creating the conditions for nearly every child under age 5 in Fresno County to grow up with the resources, relationships, and support systems they need to thrive.
We’re scaling efforts to ensure that more local, state, and federal dollars are coordinated across systems, maximizing impact and reducing duplication.
Countywide
We aim to deepen partnerships, expand capacity, and formalize shared governance to ensure seamless collaboration between all sectors that serve families with young children.
Civic Infrastructure
The strength of our coalition lies in its diversity. Our partners represent every corner of Fresno County and every layer of support that touches the lives of young children and their families.
Andrea Cervantes-Woods
Brooke Frost
Carol Christenson
Cindy Juarado Hernandez
Fabiola González
Ge Vue
Isela Turner
Julie Bounchareune
Julie Vue
Latisha Pitts
Linda Gleason
Margarita Rocha
Matilda Soria
Michael Balderas
Ofelia Gonzalez
Shantay Davies-Balch
BLACK Wellness and Prosperity Center
California Health Collaborative
Central Valley Regional Center
Centro la Familia Advocacy Services
Children’s Services Network
Comprehensive Youth Services
EasterSeals
Exceptional Parents Unlimited
Fresno American Indian Health Project
Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission
Reading and Beyond
The Children’s Movement of Fresno
West Fresno Family Resource Center
Westside Family Preservation Center
Anthem
CalViva Health
Career Nexus
Central Unified School District
Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
Fresno State
Fresno Unified School District
Parlier Unified School District
State Center Community College District
Valley Children’s Healthcare
Central Valley Community Foundation
First 5 Fresno County
Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health
Fresno County Department of Public Health
Fresno County Department of Social Services
Our Backbone Partner
At the center of the Early Matters Fresno coalition is First 5 Fresno County, our official backbone organization. First 5 Fresno County exists to support and strengthen the systems that serve children in their first five years of life—and their leadership ensures that Early Matters Fresno remains focused, connected, and responsive to the needs of Fresno County families.
As the coalition’s backbone, First 5 Fresno County:
- Coordinates communication and meetings across partner organizations
- Provides day-to-day management of focus areas and strategic initiatives
- Represents the coalition in policy advocacy and funder engagement
- Supports alignment and accountability across the full partner network