2024 Annual Report by CommunityActionPartnershipOfKern

2024 Annual Report

2024 Board of Directors

Message from Leadership

Strategic Planning

Mission, Vision, and Values

60 years of Action

Clients Served

Impact in Action

Community Development

Youth & Community Services

Health & Nutrition Services

Housing & Supportive Services

Head Start / State Child Development

CAPK Foundation

16 21 23

2024 Board of Directors

PUBLIC OFFICIALS (CATEGORY I)

LOW-INCOME SECTOR (CATEGORY II)

PRIVATE SECTOR (CATEGORY III)

Mia Cifuentes

Fatima Echeverria

Denise Boshers Jimmie D. Childress

Michelle Jara-Rangel Pastor Jonathan Mullings Curtis Floyd

Maritza Jimenez

Ana Vigil Guadalupe Perez

Yolanda Ochoa

Gina Martinez

Fred Plane Lily Pimentel-Stratton Jeff Flores

32nd State Assembly District Rep.

Head Start Policy Council Rep.

South Kern County Rep. North Kern County Rep. Metro Bakersfield Rep. East Kern County Rep.

City of Bakersfield Mayor’s Office Rep. Kern County Board of Supervisor Rep.

Assemblymember Vince Fong Senator Melissa Hurtado Congressman David Valadao Mayor Karen Goh

Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) remains a source of hope for individuals and families facing challenges across Kern County. As we reflect on the past year, I am moved by the progress we have made and the positive impact we have had across our community.

At CAPK, our mission is clear: to address the root causes of poverty, alleviate its effects, and promote dignity and self-sufficiency in the communities we serve. This guiding principle has driven our efforts as we work tirelessly to empower individuals and families to overcome their barriers to success.

In 2024, CAPK continued to demonstrate its commitment to serving our community, reaching over 136,000 unduplicated individuals with essential services and support. Each person we have helped represents a story of resilience and hope, and it is these stories that inspire us to keep pushing forward.

We made a significant change by relocating our administrative offices to 18th Street, enhancing our operational efficiency and accessibility. This move symbolizes our growth and our dedication to being there for those who need us most.

We also launched Hunger Action Month in September, a campaign dedicated to raising awareness about food insecurity and mobilizing the community to take action. Through various events and initiatives, we aim to engage and inspire individuals to join us in the fight against hunger. I appreciate the collective effort and compassion shown during these events.

As we look ahead, I am encouraged by our vision of communities where all people have equal opportunities to achieve greater self-sufficiency and attain their version of the American Dream. I recognize that the road ahead may be challenging, but I am committed to walking it together with our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and partners. Together, we can overcome any obstacle and create a brighter future for all.

Thank you for your unwavering support of CAPK and our mission to empower individuals and families. Your generosity and dedication make all the difference. Together, we can create positive change and build a brighter future for all.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Tobias

As the 2024 Board Chair of Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK), I am honored to share my reflections on the remarkable progress we have made and the exciting future that lies ahead. Having served on the board for 33 years, I have witnessed firsthand the immense growth and transformation of our agency.

Our commitment to addressing the root causes of poverty and promoting self-sufficiency has never been stronger. Under the leadership of our dedicated CEO and the tireless efforts of our staff, CAPK has reached new heights in serving our community. In 2024 alone, we provided essential services and support to over 136,000 individuals, a testament to our unwavering dedication and impact.

I am particularly proud of the strides we have made in expanding our services and deepening our impact. The partnerships we have forged and the initiatives we have launched are driving real change and creating pathways for Kern County families.

Looking forward, I am excited about the opportunities that await us. With the continued support of our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and partners, I am confident that we will overcome any obstacles and create lasting positive change.

Thank you for your unwavering support of CAPK.

Sincerly,

Fred Plane

CAPK BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR

Mission, Vision, and Values

Mission

Community Action Partnership of Kern will address underlying causes of poverty, alleviate the effects, and promote dignity and self-sufficiency in the communties we serve.

Organizational Values:

Respect

Dignity and compassion for clients and staff.

We envision communities where all people have equal access to achieve greater self-sufficiency and attain their version of the American Dream.

Effective communication; enthusiastic collaboration; commitment to organizational values.

Teamwork Transparency

Fiscal integrity; Authentic relationships; open and inclusive communication.

Contiuous Improvement

Providing quality service and data analytics; using feedback loops to inform innovation; embodying humility and a learning mindset.

Servant Leadership

Genuine care for those we seek to empower; demonstrating courage in leadership.

Our Promise

Community Action

Changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

In 2024, we have served over xxxxxx unduplicated individu las throughout Kern and San Joaquin County

Through CAPK’s 19 programs, 136,170 unduplicated individuals were served throughout Kern and San Joaquin Counties, supporting 109,133 households.

These programs include food assistance, providing shelter, childcare, and countless other community-based resources.

Impact in Action - Client Stories

At Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK), we believe every child deserves a strong start in life. Through our Head Start and Early Head Start programs, we provide early education, health, nutrition, and family support services to low-income families across Kern and San Joaquin Counties—including to families like Kylie Kong’s in Stockton.

Kylie, a devoted mother of two, found herself in a crisis after her father—her main source of childcare—fell ill.

Kylie Kong

Shortly after, she lost her job, and she and her young daughters, Mila and Melody, experienced homelessness.

They eventually sought shelter and stability, which they found through CAPK’s Head Start program.

“I’m involved because I’m so grateful for the help I have, and I see the learning in my children. I want to support them, too,” Kylie shared.

Initially hesitant about daycare, Kylie’s fears quickly faded once she experienced the warmth and compassion of the Head Start staff. “You hear stories on the news that make you nervous about daycare—but not with Head Start. The love they have for the children is so clear. I feel very comfortable with them.”

Kylie worried most about her daughter Mila, who struggled with social skills and making friends. But in the nurturing Head Start environment, Mila began to blossom.

Teachers identified early signs of autism and developed an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that helped her thrive.

succeed in kindergarten—so much so that to this day she teaches her younger sister what she learned in the Head Start classroom.

“What drives me is love for my children,” Kylie said. “You want to see them grow and be happy—even something as simple as having friends.”

Enrolling her daughters in Head Start allowed Kylie to return to work and build a new life. Today, she’s not only providing a stable home but staying actively involved in her children’s education.

“If I could say one thing to the teachers, it would be thank you. You’ve made such a big difference in my children’s lives,” she said.

Kylie’s journey is a powerful example of how CAPK’s Head Start programs support families through difficult times— giving children the tools to succeed and parents the ability to regain stability and hope.

Mila not only made friends, but also gained the confidence and tools to

At CAPK, we’re proud to stand beside families like Kylie’s. Because every family deserves the chance to grow, thrive, and get a Head Start.

More Than a Program, a Head Start

When Lisa Ragan arrived at CAPK’s M Street Navigation Center, she wasn’t searching for transformation—just a safe place that would accept her and her 100-pound Rottweiler, Hope. “If it wasn’t for the dog kennels, I wouldn’t have come,” she shared. “I wasn’t going to leave her behind. That dog kept me safe when I had no one.”

What she found at M Street was more than just shelter—it was a community of care, and a new beginning. Today, Lisa is no longer a client but a dedicated shelter staff member, working the overnight shift to ensure others are safe, seen, and supported—just as she once was.

Her journey wasn’t linear. “The first five months, I was angry. I blamed the world,” she recalled. But a quiet moment of reflection on Thanksgiving changed everything. “That’s when things started to shift. I realized I had the power to change my life.”

With support from her navigator, access to on-site mental health services, and her own determination, Lisa began rebuilding. “I stopped asking, ‘Why is this happening to me?’ and started asking, ‘What can I learn from this?’”

Lisa’s story is just one example of the transformative impact of CAPK’s

M Street Navigation Center—a lowbarrier shelter designed not only to meet immediate needs but to offer long-term support, wraparound services, and pathways to stability. Its pet-friendly model removes a key barrier for many individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly women seeking safety.

Today, Lisa uses her lived experience to connect with clients in crisis. “They trust me because I’ve been where they are. Some say, ‘If Lisa can do it, maybe I can too.’” She offers tools that helped her, like journaling, and advocates for every client and their pets. “If a dog gets exited, the person often leaves too. That’s why these kennels matter so much.”

Lisa’s transformation didn’t end with housing. Encouraged by staff, she began volunteering, shadowed employees, and ultimately joined the team. She now performs bed checks, de-escalates crises, administers Narcan, and offers comfort to those who need it most.

And her dreams continue. Lisa hopes to one day open her own kennel space for dogs exited from shelters, to help people retain their housing and keep families— human and canine—together.

“I want to keep working here,” Lisa said. “This job means something.”

Lisa’s story is a powerful testament to CAPK’s mission in action: providing not just services, but dignity, support, and a pathway to purpose. The M Street Navigation Center is more than a shelter—it’s a launchpad for new chapters. And thanks to staff like Lisa, it continues to be a place where hope finds a home.

Lisa Ragan

Community Development

2-1-1 administers application assistance with LIHEAP, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and the First 5 Help Me Grow Program. 179,703 calls in 2024

2-1-1

LIHEAP: 44,274

Health & Human Services Referrals: 24,971

Housing Assistance: 22,342

The CAPK 2-1-1 Kern program connects residents to essential services like food, housing, and utility aid. Through partnerships with agencies in Kings, Tulare, Fresno, Madera, and Stanislaus counties, extended 2-1-1 services are offered across the region with a database of over 1,200 resources.

Each county provides 24/7 access to critical resources, ensuring communities receive the support they need.

More information including an online directory can be found by accessing www.211KernCounty.org

771 Family Referrals

In partnership, with the Bakersfield City School District these families were connected to CAPK agency resources.

244 Families Case Managed

These families were able to receive wraparound case management on location to support their immediate needs. Grow

Community Schools Partnership Program

This CAPK program strengthens student success within Bakersfield City School District’s Community Schools by providing comprehensive case management support.

This program acts as a bridge, directly connecting families with essential community-based resources that address food insecurity, housing instability, and other critical needs facing student families.

This initiative helps schools support families and respond to local emergencies.

Youth & Community Services

46 Youth Enrolled

Over 40 youth participated in our programs this year, with 46 children joining our summer program, and children in our after school program. rTripsow Program.

256 Participants

CAPK attained grants to provide After School Youth activities in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

We offer a variety of programs and activities that bring people together such as Zumba, basketball tournaments, and

Shafter Youth Center

The Shafter Youth Center is a community hub that provides services and programs for youth, promoting healthier lifestyles through nutrition, recreation, education, and active living. It also hosts community resources such as Citizenship and Zumba classes, basketball tournaments, and a space for partners to use for community engagement efforts.

Friendship House Community Center

The Friendship House Community Center in Southeast Bakersfield offers a computer lab, sports field, covered playground, and indoor gymnasium for children aged 6-17.

It offers services such as free afterschool program, summer programs, recreation, education, mentor services, WIC, Migrant Childcare Program, as well as the California Violence Intervention and Prevention Program.

Over 70 Youth Enrolled

75 Youth particpated in our after school program, and 73 youth were connected to mentors through our Positive Youth Development Program.

California Violence Intervention and Prevention Program

Through our CalVIP program, we served 29 clients across Kern County, working to disrupt cycles of violence and build safer communities.

Casino Night Fundraiser

Thanks to a coordinated special fundraiser, our Friendship House youth got to experience Disneyland — for many, it was their very first time!

Oasis Family Resource Center

CAPK’s Oasis Family Resource Center provides essential support to families in Ridgecrest. Services include kindergarten readiness, parenting classes, case management, diaper assistance, baby supplies, food support, hygiene kits, transportation, educational materials, and referrals—all aimed at helping families build a stronger future.

571 Families Served through First 5 Kern Partnership

Through our First 5 Kern partnership, we served 571 families with kindergarten preparation, parenting classes, and case management.

Through support from CalCAPA and SupplyBank, we provided diaper assistance to 325 families enrolled in our program.

325 Families Enrolled in Diaper Program 7,162 Instances of Assistance

Walk-in community services, provided 7,162 instances of assistance, offering baby supplies, food support, hygiene kits, transportation services, educational materials, referrals, and more.

683 Families Served through First 5 Kern Partnership

Through our First 5 Kern partnership, we served 683 families with kindergarten readiness, parenting classes, and case management support.

Rural Drop-in Center Resource

Through our rural drop-in center, we provided homeless housing assistance and case management support to individuals and families, helping guide 152 clients toward stability..

10,024 Instances of Assistance

Supported 183 Families through our Diaper Program, and over 10,000 instances of assistance, offering hygiene kits, food boxes, clothing, referrals, and more.

East Kern Family Resource

Center

The East Kern Family Resource Center, based in Mojave, supports low-income individuals and families across the desert and Tehachapi Mountain communities.EKFRC focuses on addressing housing insecurity, preparing children ages 0-5 for kindergarten, and providing basic needs like food, diapers, clothing, hygiene kits, household items, business services, VITA support, and HEAP application assistance.

$7,317,127 in overall Utility Assistance

These funds ensured comfort and safety for 8,427 Kern County homes by keeping vital utilities operational.

146 Homes Weatherized

These homes received weatherization services, which included both repairing and replacing materials and appliances.

Energy

The Energy Program provides income-eligible Kern County residents with utility bill payments, weatherization services, including window and door repair, heating/cooling unit replacement, weatherstripping, insulation installation, and other energy-saving measures.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

The VITA program provides free, year-round tax preparation and e-filing for individuals and families. IRS-certified staff and volunteers help maximize refunds and apply Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). VITA also offers ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number) new and renewal processing through Certified Acceptance Agents.

$17,625,616 in Total Refunds

VITA secured free tax preparation throughout Kern County with 10,301 tax returns processed.

235 ITIN’s Proccessed/Renewed

VITA is a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), and provided Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITIN’s) for over 200 undocumented workers.

The Migrant Childcare Alernative Payment (MCAP) program offers childcare subsidies to agricultural working families. Eligible families can apply in six entry counties: Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Tulare, and Fresno. Once enrolled, they can relocate anywhere in California for agricultural work while retaining childcare services. The program provides customized care for children from birth to age 12.

2,483 Children Enrolled

The Migrant Childcare Program served 2,483 children in 2024, providing safe, reliable childcare for agricultural working families.

$27,373,585 in Provider Payments

MCAP provided subsidized payments to childcare providers serving agricultural workers—simultaneously offering essential childcare for families and creating local jobs that stimulate the economy.

12,780 Families Served

CAPK’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program proudly served 12,780 families in 2024, providing vital nutritional support to families.

167,348 Packages

In 2024, WIC distributed 167,348 food packages to families in need of meals.

2,677 Participants

CAPK’s WIC program is unique in its administration of the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program, where we have had over 2,500 mothers participate this previous year.

Health & Nutrition Services

Women, Infants, and Children

The WIC program, located in Kern and San Bernardino counties, aids pregnant, postpartum women, infants, and children under 5 with breastfeeding support, quality food access, health referrals, and nutrition education for healthier lifestyle choices.

22.4 million pounds of food distributed across Kern County Over 1,500 Volunteers

Distributed Through:

Our community showed up in full force with 1,569 volunteers lending a hand at CAPK’s Food Bank—investing their time to help feed families across Kern County.

Over 5,500 Seniors Enrolled

CAPK connected 5,571 eligible seniors with monthly 30-pound boxes of shelf-stable, nutrient-rich groceries—a 10% increase from the year prior, reaffirming our commitment to serving our most vulnerable neighbors.

Food Bank

The CAPK Food Bank at the Wonderful Community Food Center remains a cornerstone in the fight against hunger in Kern County. In partnership with more than 150 agency partners, the Food Bank distributes nutritious food to thousands of families and individuals each month.

One of its key initiatives, the Senior Food Program, supports elderly adults by providing a 30-pound box of shelf-stable, nutrient-rich groceries each month to seniors aged 60 and over. This program helps promote food security, health, and independence for one of Kern’s most vulnerable populations.

Through these efforts, the Food Bank continues to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.

CalFresh Healthy Living

The CalFresh Healthy Living program offers nutrition, physical activity, and training to build a healthy, knowledgeable community through direct classes, indirect materials, and Policy System and Environmental Change efforts (PSE).

1,124 Participants

During 2024, CalFresh Healthy Living delivered direct education to over 1,000 particpants through 50 different sessions.

Rethink Your Drink

In May 2024, the program hosted a community event at MLK Park in East Bakersfield with over 30 vendors, including CAPK’s Food Bank, OMNI’s dental van, GirlTrek, Zumba, and Mobile Rec. Over 150 clients attended, and the event was recognized at the state level with a featured video story.

Nutrition Pantry Program

CAPK CFHL exceeded its goal by adding 9 new NPP partners and helped certify Bakersfield College as a Gold Pantry—advancing a trauma-informed, health-focused food distribution.

Central Kitchen

The Central Kitchen provides nutritious meals to children in CAPK’S Head Start and State Child Development Programs, serving 26 sites across Kern County. It promotes healthy eating habits and supports children’s growth and development, ensuring they thrive in their early educational environments and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

593,771 Meals

The program prepared exactly 593,771 nutritious meals this previous year to roughly 3,100 children enrolled in Head Start, Early Head Start and State Pre-School programs across 26 centers in Kern County.

Groundbreaking

In 2024, CAPK officially began the construction of a new Central Kitchen facility located in Southeast Bakersfield planned to measure 8,538 square feet.

2,090 Shelter Clients Served

In 2024, CAPK served 2,090 unhoused individuals with 122 pets, 84,736 meals served, and 73 permanently housed.

754 Clients Served in Safe Camp

CAPK’s Low Barrier Navigation Center also served 754 clients through safe camping and 108 through Safe Parking, an alternative to congregate sleeping. 26,437 meals were prepared, 125 pets supported, and 15 permanently housed.

M Street Navigation Center

CAPK, in partnership with Kern County, operates a 24-hour Low Barrier Navigation Center with 147 beds, providing housing, meals, mental health, medical care, and economic resources to unsheltered individuals with pets and partners. The center also offers Safe Camping and Parking services for shelter-resistant homeless individuals.

Coordinated Entry System (CES)

CAPK’s Coordinated Entry System in Kern County, in partnership with the Continuum of Care, serves as the direct link between people experiencing homelessness and the services and shelter they need.

The system provides a clear and systematic approach to help individuals quickly access the most appropriate services through standardized access points, a shared assessment process, and coordinated referrals to housing, prevention, and other support services.

30,796 Homeless Referrals

In 2024, CAPK received over 30,000 call, surge of more than 6,500 additional client contacts—a 27% increase from the previous year.

Housing & Supportive Services

71 Matched to Housing Subsidy

We provided housing subsidies—through vouchers or rapid rehousing—to 71 clients, helping them secure stable housing.

5,340 Medi-Cal Members Served

CAPK’s Cal-AIM program supported over 5,000 Medi-Cal members enrolled through Kern Health Systems and Anthem.

With 10,434 services per client (i.e., one-on-one case management, landlord engagement, or obtaining vital documents)

216 Clients Received Housing & Furnishing Deposits

Cal-AIM also secured one-time use up to $5,000 housing and furnishing deposits for 216 enrolled clients and housing placement for 114 individuals.

Cal-AIM

The California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) initiative aims to enhance the quality of life and health outcomes through system, programmatic, and payment system reforms, emphasizing the importance of Community Supports in Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Members.

225 Clients Received Case Management

The Adult Re-Entry program served 225 clients who were recently released from incarceration. 48 have obtained safe and afforable housing and 36 have obtained employment.

427 Referrals to Social Services

The ARG program has connected clients with over 400 referrals to social services. 199 referred to Mental Health and Substance Abuse services, 196 in Financial Management Programs, and 32 clients in Transitional Housing Placements.

Adult Re-Entry (ARG)

The Adult Re-Entry Grant Warm Handoff and Re-Entry Services Program (ARG WHO) is designed to reduce rates of homelessness and recidivism for those who have been recently released from incarceration. CAPK proposes an intervention strategy that takes into account employment, housing, and mental health.

Head Start/State Child Development

Head Start

CAPK Head Start provides high-quality early childhood education for children ages 0 to 5 through part-day, full-day, and home-based options. Rooted in a holistic approach, the program supports children’s growth across all areas—academic, emotional, social, and physical—while also engaging parents as key partners.

Through the Parent Policy Council, families are empowered to become advocates and skilled providers for their children’s development. Offered throughout Kern and San Joaquin Counties, CAPK Head Start helps build strong foundations for lifelong learning and success.

Early Education

Dual Language Learners

School Readiness

School readiness is fundamental across all early childhood systems and programs. The Head Start Approach to School Readiness means that families are ready to support their children’s learning, children are ready for school, and schools are ready for children. Head Start is a pilar among the early childhood development field, leading with a clear and comprehensive focus on all aspects of healthy development through research-based curricula and philosophies.

CAPK Head Start and Early Head Start celebrates the integration of culturally and linguistically responsive practices for all our families and children.

This is done in the spirit of creating the best early education experience possible. Nationally, there is a growing population of children who are dual language learners.

At CAPK, 542 preschool-aged children, or 57% of our three and four-year-old children, were determined to be Dual Language Learners.

School Readiness for all Children

CAPK Head Start and Early Head Start center-based learners utilize the research-based Creative Curriculum. Creative Curriculum is designed to be able to meet the learning needs and interest of all children through an organized, developmental scope and sequence based on developmental progression of how children learn.

Topics such as Trees and Water are introduced via play-based, hands-on investigations that place the child at the forefront of their learning. Each lesson aligns instruction and opportunities for play, exploration, discovery, and problem solving with the early learning outcomes.

Home-based providers utilize the curriculum Parents as Teachers. Parents as Teachers is a parenting curriculum that provides a variety of topics focused on family care, self-sufficiency, and infant mental health. Regardless of program, CAPK Head Start and Early Head Start creates each child a Child Development Project Plan. These plans help promote individual development that is unique to each individual child’s learning needs and temperament.

Positive Behavior Support

Relationships, both in and out of the classroom, shape the way children learn, interpret, and connect with others. A child’s first years of school are filled with wondrous moments and it’s a time of tremendous physical and intellectual development. Children are also developing self-regulation the ability to calm themselves when they are upset, and this process can lead to some challenging moments for both adults and children.

At CAPK Head Start and Early Head Start, the Pyramid Model’s Positive Behavior Support framework is utilized to offer evidence-based strategies that support the learning and engagement of all children, giving teachers and parents strategies for promoting children’s healthy, social, and emotional development.

As children begin learning to regulate their behaviors and emotions, challenging behaviors are often part of the typical development of young children. The Pyramid Model builds upon a tiered public health approach to providing universal support to all children to promote wellness, targeted services to those who need more support, and intensive services to those who need them.

Effective Workforce

Systems and policies promote and sustain the use of evidence based practices.

Nurturing & Responsive Relationships

Supportive responsive relationships among adults and children is an essential component to promote healthy social and emotional development.

High-Quality Support

Assessment-based intervention that results in individualized behavior and support plans.

Environments Targeted Social Emotional Supports

High-quality early childhood environments promote positive outcomes for all children.

Engagement

Positive & Goal-Oriented Relationships

CAPK Head Start and Early Head Start practices the “Whole Child, Whole Family,” approach while working with parents and their children. Family Engagement at CAPK Head Start and Early Head Start is about building relationships that support family well-being, strong family relationships, as well as ongoing learning and development for both parents and children.

The Parent/Guardian, Family, and Community Engagement Framework is our road map for achieving outcomes which lead to positive and enduring change for children and families. During the 2023-2024 school year, 62% of surveyed parents seeking employment were able to accept employment, while 75% of parents surveyed stated they were able to sustain employment while their child was enrolled in CAPK Head Start and Early Head Start.

Parent and family engagement activities are grounded in positive, goal-oriented relationships with families. When parent and family engagement activities are systemic and integrated across program foundations, family engagement outcomes are achieved, resulting in children who are healthy and ready for school.

For example, correlations between our parent surveys and developmental assessment outcomes show a significant increase in the following Early Learning Outcomes Framework central domains: Cognition, Math, Science, and Self-Regulation.

Parents are the primary educators of their children, and research shows engagement activities at home are paramount to their child’s success. In 2024, CAPK Head Start hosted the inaugural Fatherhood Conference, where 49 parents attended and learned about the importance of having a male figure in their child’s life.

Families enrolled in our Head Start and Early Head Start programs also have access to ReadyRosie, a research-based parenting curriculum, which provides families with customized parenting videos and activities to reinforce learning initiatives from the classroom at home.

ReadyRosie builds on parents’ knowledge, harnessing the power of video modeling and mobile technology to build powerful partnerships between families and educators, resulting in Ready Families, Ready Educators, and Ready Children.

Over 1,000

More than 1,000 families have registered to use the ReadyRosie app for the 2023-2024 school year.

11 ReadyRosie workshops were provided, online, to families enrolled in Head Start or Early Head Start.

More than 5,500

Enrolled Families watched more than 5,500 videos supporting children’s Language & Literacy development.

This school year, the most popular ReadyRosie videos focused on Health and Well-being and Language and Literacy.

Empowering Parents/Guardians

Advocates in the Home

· Monthly Parent Policy Council and committee meetings, which include Budget & Finance, Bylaws, Planning, and School Readiness Committees.

· Triannual Regional Parent Committee meetings; Health, Nutrition and the Disabilities Advisory committee meetings.

· 49 parents attended the inaugural CAPK Fatherhood Conference

· Center Family Engagement and School Readiness Parent Activities; Family Education Night (Open House);

· Monthly Parent Meetings

· Annual School Readiness Resource Fair.

· Annual Family Engagement Conference

· We are funded to serve 2,071 children and families each day. Our cumulative enrollment during the 2023-24 school year reached 2,025. Our monthly program enrollment, as a percentage of funded enrollment, was 69%.

Did You Know?

· 81% of Head Start preschool children, including those who were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, received an exam by a dental professional.

· 97% of clients served were income eligible or categorically eligible for Head Start services. Categorical eligibility includes children in foster care, families receiving specific forms of Public Assistance, or who are experiencing homelessness.

· 60% percent of CAPK Head Start and Early Head Start children received a professional medical exam. Exams include Preschool Physical Exams, and Well Baby Checks for Infants and Toddlers.

· Did you know that in 2022, the Administration for Children and Families expanded its interpretation of “Public Assistance” to include families in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP households can demonstrate their eligibility for Head Start by showing proof of SNAP benefits or eligibility!

Follow our Socials!

Program Quality

Head

Early Head Start Federal Funding

In-Kind/Non-Federal Share

State: Department of Social Services $ $ $ $

General Child Care (CCTR)

General Child Care (SJC CCTR)

2023-2024

Equipment & Supplies

$2,111,525 $1,219,974 $2,345,378 $10,731,074 $10,515,329

State: Department of Education

*Inlcudes $3,523,819 Carryover from FY 22-23

$40,026,015 $66,949,295 $2,111,525 $1,219,974 $2,345,378 $10,731,074 Total, $10,515,329

$40,026,015 $66,949,295

$40,026,015 $66,949,295 $2,111,525 $1,219,974 $2,345,378 $10,731,074 $10,515,329

Head Start Federal Funding

Early Head Start Federal Funding

In-Kind/Non-Federal Share

General Child Care (CCTR)

General Child Care (SJC CCTR)

California State Preschool

Migrant Child care Migrant Child care

2024-2025

From February 15, 2022, to February 18, 2022, the Administration for Children and Families, under the Department of Health & Human Services, conducted a Focus Area Two Monitoring Review of the CAPK Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Based on the information gathered during this review, our program was found to have met the requirements of all applicable Head Start Program Performance Standards, laws, regulations, and policy requirements.

An independent, external audit for fiscal year ending February 28, 2024, found no significant deficiencies in our financial oversight, expenditures, or program operations.

Empowering Youth Supporting Families

CAPK Foundation

Established in 2020 as a distinct 501(c)3 entity, the CAPK Foundation has steadfastly served as bridge between the organization and its community, leveraging partnerships and resources to address pressing needs.

Under the stewardship of its dedicated Board of Directors, the Foundation has spearheaded numerous fundraising endeavors to bolster CAPK’s impactful programs.

From the heartwarming Huggy Heart Campaign to the essential Annual Appeal, each intiative has addressed the immediate needs of Community Action Partnership of Kern.

Keeping Our Kids Warm

Every child in Head Start received a brand-new winter coat, ensuring that over 1,350 children were wrapped in warmth and care during the colder months. More than just protection from the cold, these coats represented our shared commitment to nurturing children with dignity, comfort, and love.

Donate Now Scan to Learn

Fighting Food Insecurity Ending Homelessness

Feeding our Neighbors Holiday Luncheons

Individuals experiencing homelessness at the M Street Navigation Center were able to enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. For both holidays, clients received a full festive meal — including ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, and all the traditional fixings—bringing a sense of warmth, comfort, and celebration.

Gourmet for Good

On June 7, 2024, the CAPK Foundation hosted its first-ever Gourmet for Good fundraiser—a night of fine dining and community impact. The event grossed over $160,000, with all proceeds supporting CAPK programs that fight hunger, reduce homelessness, and uplift families throughout Kern County.

The annual KGET Holiday Drive was transformed into a festive drive-thru lunch, raising crucial funds for CAPK’s Food Bank. The event united the community in the spirit of giving, helping ensure neighbors facing hunger received the support they needed during the holiday season.

$549,163 Crucial Funds Raised

In 2024, the CAPK Foundation raised $549,163.65 in unrestricted funds to support CAPK programs—empowering families, fighting hunger, ending homelessness, and uplifting youth across Kern County.

What’s Next for CAPK

CAPK Veteran Supportive Services Program

Formerly known as the California Veterans Assistance Foundation (CVAF), the CAPK Veteran Supportive Service Program (VSS) continues a legacy of dedicated support for veterans and their families. Since 1998, this program has worked to combat veteran homelessness and improve quality of life through housing assistance, case management, and wraparound services tailored to veterans’ unique needs.

Serving primarily Kern County, the program assists homeless, at-risk, and low-income veterans, including youth aged 18–24 with dependents, and supports those willing to relocate from other regions.

CAPK’s Veteran Service Program offers transitional and permanent housing services, including USDVA Grant & Per Diem programs, rapid rehousing, and homeless prevention through Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). Additional services include case management through partnerships with the Housing Authority, the Dream Center, and other local partners.

Covey Cottages

Covey Cottages is a 12-unit permanent housing program, located in north Bakersfield at 604 Covey Avenue. This progam is dedicated to supporting veterans who are transitioning out of homelessness. As part of the CAPK Veteran Supportive Services Program, it provides safe, stable homes and a community center that fosters connection, dignity, and long-term well-being.

Feed Kern Now

Your support is critical

The CAPK Food Bank serves as the cornerstone of hunger relief in Kern County , distrubuting over 2-million pounds of food each month in 2024 to more than 120,000 individiuals through a network of over 150 committed community partners.

However, significant challanges with State and Federal funding have disrupted vital food deliveries, leaving families struggling to access essentials.

In resposne to this crisis, we have intiated “Feed Kern Now” to bridge the gap. Your generous donation enables us to continue providing nutritious food to those who need it most.