Press Release: 2024-04-26

Congresswoman Trahan Announces $3 Million In Head Start Funding For Making Opportunity Count In Fitchburg

 

 

Washington, April 25, 2024

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) announced $3,052,650 in federal Head Start funding for Making Opportunity Count in Fitchburg. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Head Start.

“Every child in this country, regardless of their circumstances at home, deserves access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to succeed. As a mom of two daughters, I know firsthand that helping our kids thrive comes not just from offering the best academic instruction possible, but also from providing social, behavioral, and cognitive support outside of the classroom.” said Congresswoman Trahan. “I am thrilled to be celebrating the continuation of this federal funding for Making Opportunity Count. For over 50 years, this incredible organization has gone above and beyond to provide much-needed services to thousands of preschoolers in our families, schools, and communities, and this federal funding will help them expand their impact in the years ahead.”

“We are grateful for the continued support and investment in our community's future through Head Start funding,” said Kevin Reed, CEO of Making Opportunity Count. “Thanks to Congresswoman Trahan's advocacy, more children and families will have access to early education and family support services that pave the way for lifelong success. This award is a testament of community and government working together for the well-being of our next generation.”

Head Start programs offer comprehensive support to low-income children and families in Massachusetts and across the United States by promoting school readiness and behavioral development through community services. These initiatives not only focus on the wellbeing of each child, but also on their families, providing child care, social services, health care, job training, housing and food assistance, and home visits. The Head Start program encompasses Head Start preschool programs, which primarily serve 3- and 4-year-old children, and Early Head Start programs for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.

Making Opportunity Count Inc, provides vital services for families in Fitchburg and across North Central Massachusetts. Their goal is to break the cycle of poverty and help families achieve economic stability. During the 2022-23 school year, MOC operated 18 Head Start classrooms and 3 Early Head Start Classrooms, giving 384 students the resources they need to develop and excel. 

“Head Start through Making Opportunity Count in Fitchburg plays an important role in our community for our families,” said Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia. “Early education provides a foundation for lifelong success, building critical social-emotional skills, and Head Start ensures that every child in Fitchburg has the chance to build that educational foundation. They do an amazing job in Fitchburg and I am proud to support.”

Since she was elected to Congress, Trahan has consistently advocated for the Head Start Program, having secured funding for the Third District and secured increases in funding at the federal level. Previously, Congresswoman Trahan has delivered Head Start funding to Community Teamwork in Lowell, Community Day Care Center of Lawrence, Inc., Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, and Community Action, Inc in Haverhill. 

Through her advocacy and support, Trahan has secured an additional $1.9 billion in Head Start Funding, bringing this year’s total allocation to $12 billion.