Press Releases

LOWELL, MA - Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) applauded the awarding of $1,342,356 in federal funding to Community Action, Inc. of Haverhill, MA. The five-year grant, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will be used to support the organization’s Early Head Start program. 

“We have a responsibility to set all students up for success. For the most vulnerable in our classrooms, that means closing the achievement gap by investing in tried and true early childhood programs like Head Start. I had the pleasure of seeing the impact of these programs up close when I visited the educators and young students of Fox Center at Community Action, Inc. in Haverhill. I’m glad to see this federal investment in the facility’s Early Head Start program, which will be pivotal as we continue to give all of our children access to opportunity even during this pandemic,” said Congresswoman Trahan. 

“Community Action, Inc. is grateful for the Early Head Start Child Care Partnership funding. These critical funds will continue to connect children to local child care programs providing high quality, early learning and care that meet or exceed the performance standards of Community Action's Head Start program, ”said John Cuneo, Community Action, Inc.'s President, and CEO. “This funding allows our team of early childhood professionals to provide comprehensive services that promote future social/emotional and academic success. Through the Early Head Start Child Care Partnership, educators offer educational opportunities and experiences that inspire and encourage children to reach their fullest potential. This HHS grant is important as we begin to reopen our early learning programs, bringing children back to learn, play, and socialize.”

Background: 

Community Action, Inc.’s Head Start & Early Head Start program hosts quality education and a multitude of services for local children, ages 0 to 5, and their families. In addition to preparing students to thrive upon entering kindergarten, CAI also provides resources such as meals, mental health and wellness services, volunteer and leadership opportunities, and screenings to families. 

Congresswoman Lori Trahan has used her position as a member of the House Education and Labor Committee to advocate for increased funding for Head Start. In negotiations over Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 appropriations, Trahan successfully requested increased funding for Head Start. The program received $11.6 billion in funding for FY2020, an increase of $1.5 billion from the year before. Most recently, she successfully advocated for a $150 million increase for Head Start programs in the FY2021 minibus passed by the House last week. Trahan continues to advocate for additional funding for this important program.

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