Press Releases

LOWELL, MA - Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, announced $2,735,193 in federal Head Start funding for Making Opportunity Count, Inc., a social services organization in Fitchburg. This grant was awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Head Start.

“Despite the unprecedented obstacles created by COVID-19, I’m grateful for organizations like Making Opportunity Count that seek to meet these challenges head-on to continue delivering for children working to continue their education. This substantial Head Start investment will ensure that low-income families in the Greater Fitchburg area have access to Making Opportunity Count’s excellent resources and services. More investments like these are absolutely necessary as we continue to navigate this crisis,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan.

“Now more than ever we are grateful for our strong partnership with Congresswoman Trahan," said Kevin Reed, executive director of Making Opportunity Count. "During these challenging times, the Congresswoman's advocacy is crucial to the wellbeing and future of families across North Central MA.”

Background:

Head Start grants are awarded to organizations across the nation that provide education and social services to low-income families in their community. Making Opportunity Count, Inc. provides vital services for low-income and impoverished families in Fitchburg. Their goal is to break the cycle of poverty and help families achieve economic stability. They create opportunities through services like economic education, child care, workforce development, and housing support. In 2019, with the help of Head Start, 812 children had access to programs offered by the organization.

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. Trahan continues to advocate for additional funding for this important program, having supported a similar request for increased Head Start funding in FY2021 appropriations.

###