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Becoming a parent is one of the most significant transitions a person can experience — and it happens without a manual, often with less support than families need. In Yuba and Sutter Counties, a network of free and low-cost programs exists specifically to support families with newborns and young children.
Most families never know these resources exist until they’re already struggling. This guide is designed to change that.
Whether you have a newborn, a toddler, or a child approaching preschool age, there’s something in Yuba-Sutter for your family — most of it free.
Start Here: WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
If you have a newborn or are currently pregnant and haven’t enrolled in WIC, do it today.
What WIC provides: – Free food benefits — monthly grocery benefits for nutritious foods for mother and baby – Breastfeeding support — lactation consultants at no cost – Nutrition counseling and guidance from dietitians – Referrals to other community services – Formula support for families who aren’t breastfeeding – Benefits usable at local grocery stores and the Yuba City Farmers Market
Who qualifies: Pregnant women, breastfeeding women up to 1 year postpartum, non-breastfeeding women up to 6 months postpartum, infants, and children up to age 5. Income guidelines apply but are relatively broad — many working families qualify.
Where to enroll in Yuba-Sutter: – Yuba City WIC: (530) 822-7221 – Marysville WIC: (530) 749-7436
Citizenship status does not affect WIC eligibility for the child.
E Center Early Head Start: The Prenatal and Infant Program
Many families don’t know that E Center’s services begin before a child is born.
E Center’s ابتدائی سر شروع program serves: – Pregnant women — from the point of enrollment through delivery – Infants and toddlers — from birth through age 2
For families who enroll during pregnancy, Early Head Start provides: – Prenatal education and health information – Home visits from a trained Family Development Specialist – Preparation for the transition to parenthood – Warm relationship with E Center before the baby arrives
After birth, the home visitor continues weekly 90-minute visits to support your child’s development in your home environment — supporting you as your baby’s first teacher, and identifying any developmental concerns early.
Early Head Start is free for qualifying families. Income guidelines apply, with automatic eligibility for families in certain situations (foster care, public assistance, homelessness).
???? Call (530) 634-1200 — for questions about eligibility, the application, or what to expect after you apply
Medi-Cal and Covered California
Every child born in California is eligible for Medi-Cal health coverage, regardless of immigration status. Medi-Cal covers: – Well-child checkups (every 1–2 months in the first year) – Vaccinations – Specialist visits – Dental care (California Children’s Services) – Vision care – Mental health services
For parents: Pregnant women are automatically eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal during pregnancy and for 12 months postpartum, regardless of immigration status.
How to enroll: Apply online at coveredca.com, call 1-800-300-1506, or contact your county Social Services office.
Sutter-Yuba Community Action Agency (SYCAA) can also help families navigate health coverage enrollment — call (530) 674-8029.
Sutter-Yuba Mental Health Services
New parent mental health is real, and it matters.
Postpartum depression affects approximately 1 in 5 new mothers — and parental stress, anxiety, and depression in the first years of a child’s life are among the strongest predictors of child developmental outcomes. Getting support isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s one of the best things a parent can do for their child.
Sutter-Yuba Behavioral Health provides outpatient mental health services for adults and families. Services may be covered by Medi-Cal.
Contact: (530) 822-7215 (Yuba City) or (530) 749-6100 (Marysville)
For crisis support: California’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.
Yuba-Sutter Public Health Department
The Yuba-Sutter Public Health Department provides services relevant to new families including: – Immunizations — free or low-cost vaccines for children and adults – Family planning services — including postpartum contraception counseling – Newborn home visiting programs in some cases – Public health nurse consultations for families with health concerns
Contact: (530) 822-7215 (main office, serves both counties)
Sutter-Yuba Community Action Agency (SYCAA)
SYCAA is a nonprofit that connects low-income families in Yuba and Sutter Counties with a range of services: – Emergency food assistance (food pantry, Meals on Wheels) – Utility assistance (LIHEAP — help paying energy bills) – Weatherization assistance – Head Start enrollment referrals – Medi-Cal enrollment assistance – Other emergency support
Contact: (530) 674-8029 Website: sycaa.org
211 Sutter-Yuba: Your First Call for Local Resources
211 is the most important phone number most Yuba-Sutter parents don’t know.
Calling or texting 2-1-1 connects you with a live specialist who can search the local community resource database and connect you with help for: – Emergency food and utilities – Housing assistance – Childcare and preschool referrals – Healthcare navigation – Mental health services – Domestic violence resources – Transportation assistance – And much more
The 211 database is updated regularly and is the most comprehensive source of local resource information available. If you have a need and don’t know where to turn, 211 is the place to start.
Available 24/7. Confidential. Multilingual.
Support Groups for New Parents
New parents benefit from peer connection — other adults navigating the same stage of life, with whom they can share experiences and strategies.
Local churches and community organizations in Yuba-Sutter periodically run parent support groups and playgroups. The best way to find what’s currently available is to: – Call 2-1-1 – Ask E Center’s Family Services team (if enrolled) – Check the Sutter County and Yuba County library event calendars, which often list community parenting programs
CalFresh (Food Stamps / SNAP)
CalFresh provides monthly food benefits for low-income families — up to several hundred dollars per month for a family of four, depending on income. Benefits are deposited on an EBT card usable at most grocery stores and the Yuba City Farmers Market.
How to apply: – Online: getcalfresh.org – By phone: 1-877-847-3663 – In person: Sutter-Yuba Social Services, 142 Garden Hwy, Yuba City
CalFresh is available to mixed-status immigrant families — U.S. citizen children in immigrant households can receive CalFresh even if their parents are not eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these resources available to Spanish-speaking families? Most programs in this guide offer services in Spanish or can access interpretation. WIC, E Center, 211, and the county health department all have Spanish-speaking staff or interpretation services. Don’t let language be a barrier.
What if I’m undocumented? E Center does not ask about immigration status. WIC serves children regardless of citizenship. Emergency services through 211 do not require documentation. Medi-Cal provides emergency and pregnancy services regardless of immigration status. Call E Center at (530) 634-1200 for confidential guidance.
When should I apply for Early Head Start if I’m pregnant? As early as possible. Prenatal enrollment allows the home visiting relationship to begin before your baby arrives. If you’re in your first or second trimester, now is an ideal time to call.
I already have a 3-year-old. Is it too late for some of these resources? For a 3-year-old, the relevant resources are Head Start (not Early Head Start), Medi-Cal, CalFresh, WIC (if there’s a younger sibling), SYCAA, and 211. Call E Center about Head Start enrollment — the 2026–27 school year starts in late August.
E Center Is Here for Your Family
Whatever stage of parenthood you’re in, E Center’s comprehensive services are designed to support the whole family — not just the child in the classroom.
???? Call our enrollment team at (866) 417-4255 — we’re ready to answer your questions ???? Apply online at ecenter.org — start your pre-application in minutes ???? Walk in at 860 Plaza Way, Yuba City, CA 95991
You don’t have to figure out parenthood alone. Let’s do this together.
E Center is the Head Start and Early Head Start provider for Yuba and Sutter Counties. Resource information current as of June 2026 — verify current services and eligibility by contacting organizations directly.
