Funding for Head Start and Early Head Start Services in Erie County
The Office of Head Start (OHS) has awarded the Community Action Organization of WNY Inc. a $77.1 million grant over five years to provide Head Start and Early Head Start programming to 1,080 Head Start students and 205 infants, toddlers and pregnant women in Erie County. Holy Cross Head Start Inc., formerly a delegate of CAO since 1969, was also awarded a portion of the Erie County grant and will now serve the community as a Grantee agency alongside CAO. Holy Cross was awarded $25 million over five years, serving 500 Head Start children.
“CAO’s dedication of providing Head Start and Early Head Start services that promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services for enrolled children and families” is unmatched, said Chelsea White, executive VP/chief of education. “We are looking forward to continuing our partnerships with Holy Cross Head Start, as we provide premier Head Start and Early Head Start programming throughout Erie County.
Cortland Purks, executive director of Holy Cross Head Start, celebrated the decision and said, “We are excited to continue our partnership with CAO and provide early childhood education to children as it plays a vital role in creating a pathway for children and families to thrive.”
Congressman Chris Jacobs said, “I want to congratulate CAO and Holy Cross for receiving grants to provide Head Start programming to multiple localities and thousands of children in Erie County. As an advocate for education, I understand the importance of Head Start and early childhood education in developing life-long learners. I look forward to working together with both organizations to ensure the success of hundreds of children in Erie County.”