The Times appears to suggest that the California First Five Commission's partnership with La Union del Pueblo Entero is benefiting the UFW rather than migrant farmworker children. The Times did not, however, mention what has been accomplished through this partnership.

We've added more than 100 new service centers that have served more than 5,000 children and parents with critical basic services such as early literacy, parenting programs and access to heath insurance. The article also questions why First Five would work with LUPE, since LUPE had not implemented farmworker outreach programs in California before (only in Texas). An estimated 80,000 migrant and seasonal farmworker families live in California. Because LUPE's experience in Texas was relevant to the work we needed in California, we did as we customarily do with other community-based organizations: We funded a portion of LUPE's request up front to help with the costly start-up process.

These costs were promptly reported, and the promised results were delivered far ahead of schedule. First Five's partnership with LUPE has proved to be both a good investment and a benefit for those who need it most.

KRIS PERRY
Executive Director, California First Five Commission
Sacramento