Head Start to Receive Health and Human Services Funds

FRESNO, CA - Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced today that the Head StartProgram operated by the Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission willreceive nearly $14 million from the United States Department of Health andHuman Services.

"It is importantto give our children proper education and healthcare, as well as provideparents with adequate information and services that they need to build a betterlife for their families," Congressman Costa said. "The Head Start Program isone of the most successful federal programs that has ever been created,"Congressman Costa added.

Under the termsof the grant the Head Start Program will receive a total of $13,994,135, whichwill allow it to continue to provide no-cost comprehensive preschool programsthat assist the educational needs of disadvantaged children and strengthentheir emotional, social, health, nutritional and psychological needs innurturing and stimulating environments. The program also provides employmentopportunities for local community members, as well as encouraging localeducational and health organizations to assist low-income families with theirneeds.

The Head StartProgram currently has over 3,019 funded enrollment slots and 37 centersincluding churches, schools and community centers. It has been one of the mostsuccessful federal programs spearheaded by the Fresno County EconomicOpportunities Commission.

"This grant willallow the local Head Start Program to continue to provide children anopportunity to cultivate their skills, while giving low income families achance to further their lives," Costa concluded.