Family Services Receives $1.2M for White Plains Head Start Program

Family Services of Westchester received $1.2 million for its Head Start program, U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey, D-Harrison, announced Monday.

The money, which was awarded by the U. S. Department of Health & Human Services, will allow Family Service to continue offering Early Head Start and Head Start services to 280 families in White Plains through the remainder of the school year.

“Head Start and Early Head Start programs are absolutely critical early childhood education services for our neighbors in the Lower Hudson Valley,” Lowey said in a statement. “At a time when misguided spending cuts are having real consequences for children and families around the Lower Hudson Valley, investments like this one are even more important. I am so pleased that Family Services of Westchester can continue to serve families throughout the school year.”

The $1.2 million represents the last year in three-year grant cycle. Family Services officials are waiting to find out if they’ve been approved for additional funding through a five-year grant.

“This grant will be used to keep our Early Head Start and Head Start programs in operation,” said Vernex Harding, program director of Head Start/Early Head Start for Family Services of Westchester, said in a statement. “We serve 280 families and are thrilled to be assured we can continue to meet the needs of very young children in White Plains.”