NEPA Head Start programs get $11 million in federal grants

While the future of many government programs have been put into question in Washington, federal funds are still coming to the Head Start programs of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan announced last month that Head Start programs in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties had received more than $11 million in federal grants. The new funding will support Head Start functions in early-childhood education programs, health and nutrition programs, and family social services.

Bresnahan, R-8, Dallas Twp., lauded the Head Start program as a critical source of support to the children and families he represents.

“Head Start programs give kids the boost they need for a strong start in life,” Bresnahan said. “These grants are a significant step in supporting children and families across our region.”

...

Wansacz said there had been momentum building in Washington to gradually eliminate federal funding for Head Start programs and organizations like ACE of NEPA. (The organization is still hoping to restore more than $1 million in federal funding for its weatherization program and its community-service block grant, the impact of which he called “tremendous.”)

Wansacz  credited Bresnahan for maintaining funding for the group.

“We’re very appreciative of the congressman, because that was at one point getting zeroed out and they brought it back to current funding levels,” Wansacz said. “These 1,000 kids would not be served without this program.”

...