Success By 6

Success by 6 is a nationwide United Way of America community organizing initiative focusing on improving the lives of children and their families by helping over 300 communities improve systems that affect early childhood development. In Santa Cruz County, this is a community-wide, early childhood initiative, led by The United Way of Monterey County, The United Way of Santa Cruz County and KSBW-TV, supported by Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Val Strough Cypress Coast Automotive Group, Bay Federal Credit Union, and Central Coast Pediatric Dental Group.

The first six years of a child’s life are critical in determining future success. The community effort of Success By 6 develops strategies for early prevention and intervention.KSBW-TV, Val Strough Cypress Coast Automotive Group, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Bay Federal Credit Union, and Central Coast Pediatric Group play an important role in furthering the three primary goals of the campaign: building community awareness of the need to give every child a fair start in life; providing information regarding available services for children and families; and presenting a united voice for children.

The United Way of Minneapolis developed the Success By 6 campaign in 1988 to help meet the challenges posed by the declining well being of children. Success By 6 was founded on the belief that it is easier to steer a pre-schooler down the right road than it is to change a young adult gone wrong. Recent research proves the long-term benefits of quality programs for young children. For example, one dollar spent today on immunizations saves ten dollars spent in the future on treatment for preventable diseases.