Merced County Services
Preschool & Childcare
A Child Care Education Support System (ACCESS)
Assists families with resources and referrals to child care and after school programs
–1850 Wardrobe Ave., Merced, CA 95341, (209) 381-6793
Central California Child Development Services, Inc.
Provides child care for children ages 0-5 and supportive services for migrant families
–John O’Banion CDC: 401 Lesher Dr. Ste. G, Merced CA, 95340, (209) 726-3154
–Livingston CDC: 1001 F St., Livingston, CA 95334, (209) 394-0066
Head Start Program
Assists families with placing children ages 0-5 in preschool, child care setting, or home-based education
–1840 Wardrobe Ave., Merced, CA 95341, (209) 381-5170
Play Adventures
Play Adventures is committed to providing a safe outdoor space for child-led play. With the support of non-judgmental adults, the children amplify their curiosity by using natural resources and loose parts, fostering creative ad innovative self-exploration based on the interests and motivations of the child.
Play Adventures runs a multitude of programs. The preschool and afterschool programs are held at the Clubhouse on 655 G Street. Our My Grown up and Me program is held at the home day care center. Play Adventure also does community outreach programming, called Pop-ups at various locations around the county.
*Contact Naomi Sukinek, naomi@playadventures.com
–(209) 600-3372
Behavioral/Mental Health & Counseling/Crisis
ACE Overcomers
Offers classes for families wanting to overcome the effects of childhood adversity
–3343 M St., Merced, CA 95348, (209) 626-5446
Aspiranet
Provides wraparound and intensive home-based services for families with behavioral and mental health concerns
–3360 North State Hwy 59 Ste. G-K, Merced, CA 95348, (209) 725-2125
Breaking Barriers
Assists families with accessing mental health and recovery services, employment, and developing healthy life skills
–445 I St. Bldg. A, Los Banos, CA 93635, (209) 710-6044
Central Presbyterian Church
Offers counseling services for individuals, couples, children, and families for anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, divorce, and sexual abuse
–1920 Canal St., Merced, CA 95340, (209) 723-0491
Central Star Behavioral Health
Provides crisis stabilization for children and youth experiencing psychiatric concerns
–300 East I St. Ste. C, Merced, CA 95341, (209) 386-1092
Children’s System of Care
Provides outpatient mental and behavioral health services for children
–480 East 13 St., Merced, CA 95341, (209) 381-6800
Sierra Vista Merced
Provides mental and behavioral health counseling and services for families
–642 West Main St., Merced, CA 95340, (209) 205-1058
Merced County Mental Health Services
Provides mental health resources and services
–480 East 13th St., Merced, CA 95341, (209) 381-6800
Merced Lao Family
Offers counseling, crisis intervention, and substance abuse prevention services
–1748 Miles Ct., Merced, CA 95348, (209) 384-7384
Northside Mental Health Services
Provides mental health resources and services
–1471 B St. Ste. N, Livingston, CA 95334, (209) 394-4032
Valley Crisis Center
Provides group and individual counseling for women and children who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking
–790 Loughborough Dr., Merced, CA 95348 & 545 J St., Los Banos, CA 93635, (209) 725-7900
Parent Support
All Dads Matter
Provides parenting workshops and trainings and parenting support and engagement
–3376 North State Hwy 59, Ste. D, Merced, CA 95348, (209) 385-7521
All Moms Matter
Provides parenting support, education, and encouragement
1920 Customer Care Way, Atwater, CA 95301, (209) 385-3000 Ext. 5001
Caring Kids
Provides families with parent education and support through workshops and trainings to promote healthy social and emotional development in young children
–1850 Wardrobe Ave., Merced, CA 95341, (209) 381-6790 Ext. 6146
Family Resource Council
Provides parent support and referrals for families facing challenges. Offers child abuse and neglect prevention education and parenting skills classes.
–632 West 13th St., Merced, CA 95341, (209) 381-5980
Teenage Parent Support
Young Parents Program (YPP)
Provides new parent assistance and family planning for pregnant and parenting youth. Assists with continuing education enrollment and completion.
–260 East 15th St., Merced, CA 95341, (209) 381-1141
Cal Learn Program
Assists pregnant and parenting teen with child care, transportation, parenting class, prenatal care, counseling, and academic support
–2115 West Wardrobe Ave., Merced, CA 95341, (209) 385-3000
Perinatal Services
Alpha Pregnancy Help Center
Provides parenting skills, childbirth education, and breastfeeding classes. Offers car seat safety instruction and inspections.
–700 Loughborough Dr. Ste. A, Merced, CA 95348, (209) 383-4700
Childbirth Preparation Classes
Provides four-week childbirth education classes to prepare for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Offers breathing and breastfeeding techniques.
–2740 M St., Merced, CA 95340, (209) 564-4384
Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program (CPSP)
Offers perinatal and postpartum care, along with prenatal risk assessment, health education, and psychosocial support
–260 East 15th St, Merced, CA 95341, (209) 381-1141
JMJ Maternity Homes
Provides shelter for pregnant and postpartum women and children, along with counseling services for domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance use. Also assists with employment search, school enrollment, and developing parenting skills.
–1694 Grove Ave., Atwater, CA 95301, (209) 769-7092
Memorial Hospital
Offers childbirth education classes
–600 West I Street Ste. D, Los Banos, CA 93635, (209) 826-0591 Ext. 270
Merced County Breastfeeding Cafe Support Group
Peer-to-peer support group for pregnant , currently breastfeeding, previously breastfed, and formula feeding families
Support Group page: https://www.wicmerced-mariposa.com/breastfeeding-cafe-support-group
Support Group FB page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1915640771804936
Mercy Medical Center Merced
Offers childbirth education classes
–301 E. 13th St., Merced, CA 95340, (209) 384-6533
Public Health Field Nursing
Provides public health nursing prenatal care home visiting
–260 East 15th St, Merced, CA 95341, (209) 381-1150
Developmental & Disability Services
California Children Services (CCS)
Provides coverage for specialized medical care and rehabilitation for children with eligible medical conditions
–260 East 15th St., Merced, CA 95341, (209) 381-1114
Central Valley Regional Center
Administers developmental screenings for autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities and provides care coordination to supportive services
–3172 M St., Merced, CA 95348, (209) 723-4245
Challenged Family Resource Center
Provides support and advocacy training for families with children with disabilities
–827 West 20th St., Merced, CA 95340, (209) 385-5314
Exceptional Parents Unlimited
Provides supportive services for families and children with disabilities
–4440 N First St., Fresno, CA 93726, (559) 229-2000
Basic Needs
211 United Way of Merced
Provides online resource and referral services. Dial 211 or call the toll free number at (844) 287-7400. Can also text your zip code to 898211 to access services. For further inquires email aburkum@unitedwaymerced.org
Apostolic Tabernacle
Food pantry
–2745 CA-140, Merced, CA 95340, (209) 723-0545
Calvary Assembly of God – Harvest Time
Food giveaways
–1021 R St., Merced, CA 95341, (209) 723-2395
Catholic Charities of Merced
Provides support with obtaining food, clothes, diapers, and aid for utility payments
–336 West Main St., Merced, CA 95340, (209) 383-2494
Diaper Giveaways
Provides free diapers sizes 3, 4, and 5
–810 T St., Merced, CA 95341, (209) 761-1529
Hope For Families
Provides transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness
–129 West Cone Ave., Merced, CA 95341, (209) 230-1491
Merced Community Action Agency
Provides the WIC Program, preschool programs, home repair and energy savings services, utility assistance, homeless services, and AIDS program.
–1235 West Main St., Merced, CA 95340, (209) 723-4565
Merced County Food Bank
Provides free food boxes to the community
–2000 West Olive Ave., Merced, CA 95348, (209) 726-3663
New Direction
Provides families at-risk or those experiencing homelessness access to shelter, housing, and other basic needs
–200 East 15th St., Merced, CA 95341, (209) 726-2700
Sierra Saving Grace
Offers permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless and medically needy
–710 West 18th St., Merced, CA 95348, (209) 626-5660
United Methodist Church
Monthly food giveaways
–899 Yosemite Parkway, Merced, CA 95340, (209) 722-5777
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
Provides nutrition education, healthy food packages, breastfeeding support, and medical/community referrals to pregnant and postpartum women and families with children ages 0-5.
–Various locations, (209) 383-4859
https://www.wicmerced-mariposa.com/
Child Safety
Car Seat Safety Class
Provides child passenger safety classes, care seat safety checks, and care seats or booster seats
–520 West I St., Los Banos, CA 93635, (209) 826-0591
Child Protective Services (CPS)
Investigates reports of suspected physical, sexual, and emotional child abuse and neglect. Provides emergency response, crisis intervention, and placement of children into the Child Welfare System.
–2115 Wardrobe Ave., Merced, CA 95341, (209) 385-3104
Child Passenger Safety Classes
Provides child passenger safety classes and car seat inspections. Offers infant and child safety education and gives car seats.
–260 East 15th St., Merced, CA 95341, (209) 381-1136
Safely Surrender Baby Program
Parents can safely surrender a baby confidentially and without fear of persecution within 72 hours of birth with the option to reclaim their child within 14 days
–Various Locations, (877) 222-9723
Adult Education & Employment
California Employment Development Department
Offers job services
–1205 W 18th St., Merced, CA 95340, (209) 726-5407
CalWORKs
Assists with job search and developing employment skills
–2115 Wardrobe Ave., Merced, CA 95341, (209) 385-3000 Ext. 5672
Central Valley Opportunity Center
Provides job services and vocational training for migrant workers and low-income families
–6838 Bridget Ct., Winton, CA 95388, (209) 357-0062
Los Banos Adult Education
Provides GED instruction and High School Diploma
–125 7th St., Los Banos, CA 93635, (209) 826-2911
Merced Adult High School
Provides GED instruction, literacy programs, and High School Diploma
–50 East 20th St., Merced, CA 95340, (209) 325-2800
–2120 Spacecraft Dr., Atwater, CA 95301, (209) 385-6540
Merced College
Provides academic support and learning
–3600 M St., Merced, CA 95348, (209) 384-6000
Worknet Merced County
Provides employment and vocational education, counseling classes, workshops, GED preparation, ESL classes, job search, and employment information
–1205 West 18th St., Merced, CA 95340, (209) 724-2100
–800 7th St., Los Banos, CA 93635, (209) 710-6140
Early Childcare Home Visitation
Head Start – Home Based Services
Home visits (1 Visit per week for 1.5 hours). Pregnant People (1 biweekly visit for 1.5 hours). Pregnant people receive prenatal education, breastfeeding support, and health services. Visits include education//family services. Socializations (EHS provide 2 per month for 1.5 hours for 0-3 year old) and (HS provide 2 per month for 3 hours for 3-5 year old); includes opportunities for children and parents to socialize with others in an educational setting.
MCOE Parents As Teachers Program
Provides home-based comprehensive parenting education services and support to families with children from prenatal through Kindergarten.
*Contact Monica Adrian to enroll
–(209) 381-6790 ext. 6146
Merced County Healthy Families America
Provides intensive home visiting services to families and promotes a positive and nurturing environment for children and families in Merced County.
*Contact Merced County Healthy Families to enroll
–1-800-649-6849, 260 E. 15th St. Merced, CA 95341
Strong Beginnings
Provides a home visiting program to families that receive CalWORKS and are pregnant or have a child under the age of two, to support them with guidance, coaching, and access to community resources.
*Contact Merced County Human Services Agency/Castle to enroll
–(209) 385-3000 ext. 2550, P.O. Box 112, Merced, CA 95341
Adolescent Family Life Program (AFLP)
Focuses on positive youth development, life planning, goal setting, educational and career preparation services, and parenting support to help young parents achieve healthier and happier lives.
*Contact California Department of Public Health Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Division to enroll
–(916) 650-0300
Road 2 Resilience
Provides home-based health education and community support to pregnant or post-partum women with current or known history of substance use.
*Contact Consuelo Flores or Alma Sandoval-Caro to enroll
–(209) 205-1058 ext. 313, 642 W. Main St. Merced, CA 95340