SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $7 MILLION HEAD START GRANT FOR MONROE COUNTY

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced a $6,942,997 federal grant for Action For a Better Community (ABC), a Rochester community-based early-education agency. Funding for ABC will support the Early Learning and Head Start programs that provide education and development services for low-income children.

“Study after study shows that the better we prepare our young children via Head Start, the better they perform in school later in life,” said Senator Schumer. “This Head Start grant will bring real results to our young students in Monroe County by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. I am proud to support this essential funding and will continue to fight to see that early child education remains a priority.”

“Head start programs help our children start out strong and provide support at their most critical learning stages,” Senator Gillibrand said. “This investment in the Action for a Better Community program will help deliver valuable education programs for Rochester children and reduce the cost of quality childcare for those who need it most. This is an important investment in our children, in local families, and in our area’s economic future."

“ABC Head Start is grateful for the continuing funding and looks forward to another successful year for the children and families we serve. Head Start children in Rochester make remarkable gains in cognitive, social and emotional development during their years with us; and our work with parents assists families in moving toward self-sufficiency,” said Loretta Kruger,  ABC Deputy Director for Early Childhood Services/Head Start Director. “ABC appreciates the support of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and looks forward to the passage of the President’s budget, which includes additional support for Head Start.”

Head Start and Early Head Start provide comprehensive child development programs for children from birth to age 5, pregnant women, and families. The programs are child-focused with an emphasis on preparing children for school.

Action for a Better Community has worked to empower low-income families in Rochester and Monroe County to become self-sufficient since 1965.