NYC is pleased to launch Vibrant Novato, a comprehensive collection of programs that support youth and families in the community. These programs are made possible through funding from the Marin Community Foundation, First 5 Marin, Latino Community Foundation, County of Marin, Dennis and Carole Ann Rockey Fund, and NYC contributors. These programs span all ages and include:

• Ages 0-5: Novato School Readiness: a collaborative effort led by the NYC in partnership with the Novato Unified School District , Headstart, the Novato Human Needs Center, and First 5 Marin.  This program provides comprehensive services to families with young children. Highly knowledgeable Family Advocates connect families in need to local resources and help them navigate educational, health and social service systems. A free weekly playgroup provides socialization for children and parents in a fun and supportive learning environment. Click here for monthly calendar. Education workshops are offered regularly on topics such as Eating Healthy & Exercise, Dental Health, Discipline Techniques for 0-5 year olds, Basic First Aid, and much more. The Kinder Academy is a 5-week kindergarten readiness program that provides children who are preparing to enter kindergarten with early learning opportunities and emotional support. It also incorporates weekly parent and child workshops that offer information on transitioning to kindergarten, family literacy, parenting, and other topics related to children’s health and development. We primarily target children who have not had the opportunity to attend preschool and who are in most need of these services. 
  
  
• Ages 6-14: School-Aged Family Advocacy: NYC Family Advocates conduct outreach and provide support to students aged 6-14 and their families on Novato school sites and in the community. Services include outreach, family advocacy, information and referral, and education on health, financial literacy, civic participation and parenting.
• Ages 12-18: Teen Pregnancy Prevention targets teens age 12-18 through a countywide collaborative program led by the Marin County Health Department. This program educates at-risk teens, while providing opportunities for recreation, developing responsible decision-making skills, career exploration and health education. Parenting classes for parents of teens are also offered as part of the Parent Project.

• Adults: Integrated throughout this collection of programs, NYC identifies and trains volunteer Promotoras -- natural leaders who are supported to become community health workers. They connect families to local resources and work with NYC staff and other service providers to address issues that affect them, their families, and their neighbors. 

If you know of anyone in the Novato community that could benefit from these programs, please contact NYC’s Health Resource Director Berta Campos-Anicetti at (415) 892-1643, ext. 227 (se habla español).