Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) celebrated $5,681,284 in federal funding for Making Opportunity Count’s (MOC’s) Head Start programs. Trahan announced this funding in Fitchburg alongside Mayor Stephen DiNatale, State Senator John Cronin, State Representative Mike Kushmerek, and MOC leadership.

“As a working mom, I also know the difference that access to reliable, quality child care makes. I also know how pivotal Head Start programs are in supporting our young kids and getting them ready for school,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “Making Opportunity Count has served countless families through their exceptional programs, and as a proud supporter of Head Start in Congress, I couldn’t be happier to see these federal funds go towards expanding and improving MOC’s services in the Third District.”

"I would like to thank Congresswoman Trahan for her commitment and advocacy to our Head Start programs," stated Kevin Reed, executive director of Making Opportunity Count. "This essential funding allows us to provide services that lead to family success and prepare children for bright futures beyond the classroom. We're grateful for this investment in our future."

MOC’s Head Start programs promote school readiness and provide quality educational and community-based services to children and families in a nurturing environment. The program not only ensures that the children involved in the program are well taken care of, but they also provide support for the entire family through health care, social services, job training, housing and food assistance, and home visits.

“Once again Congresswoman Trahan delivers for the people of Fitchburg,” said Mayor Stephen L. DiNatale. “MOC continues to provide the much needed resources in order to address child care needs within our community” 

"Congresswoman Trahan continues to be an unmatched partner in advocating for and delivering for families in Fitchburg and across North Central Mass," said Senator John J. Cronin (D - Fitchburg). "These funds will ensure that MOC has the resources to hire and retain dedicated staff and continue to provide crucial services for children across the region. I'm proud to work with the Congresswoman on this issue and look forward to continuing to support groups like MOC however we can." 

“When my son Gabriel was born last April, my wife and I were fortunate enough to know that we could place our child in daycare. For many in our region however, we know that this is not a feasible opportunity. Each day hundreds of families are forced to leave the workforce because they cannot afford or access childcare,” said State Representative Kushmerek. “Thanks to Congresswoman Trahan’s tireless efforts and MOC’s incredible partnership with Headstart, we know the current and next generation of parents in the Fitchburg area won’t have to make these same difficult decisions.”

This most recent funding announcement is in addition to $750,000 in federal funding Trahan secured for Making Opportunity Count last fall to open a new affordable child care center. 

Trahan has also consistently supported the federal Head Start program, having secured funding for the Third District and secured increases in funding at the national level. Previously, Congresswoman Trahan has delivered Head Start funding to Community Day Care Center of Lawrence, Inc., Community Teamwork in Lowell, and Community Action, Inc in Haverhill. Since arriving in Congress in 2019, Congresswoman Trahan has advocated for and secured an additional $1.9 billion in federal Head Start funding, bringing this year’s total allocation to $12 billion.

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