NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced the awarding of $10,136,909 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support Heard Start and Early Head Start programs throughout New Jersey.

“All children, regardless of zip code, are entitled to high-quality, early childhood education that gives them the tools necessary to achieve their dreams,” said Sen. Menendez. “This federal funding will provide New Jersey students the opportunities to create, learn and grow in an ever-changing society.”

“Quality early education programs like Head Start are the key to cultivating the skills children need for future success,” said Sen. Booker. “In New Jersey, Head Start programs provide our youngest students with opportunities to create, learn, and explore. This federal funding will give students the tools they need to reach their full potential and succeed well into the future."

  • $5,378,016 – Center for Family Resources
  • $3,539,086 – Quality Care Resource and Referral Services
  • $1,219,807 – Union Township Community Action Organization, Inc.

The Center for Family Resources was founded in 1980 and focuses on educating children, assisting parents and strengthening families so they can reach their goals. The Center for Family Resources has locations in Ringwood, Pompton Lakes, Wayne, West Milford and five locations in Clifton.

Quality Care Resource and Referral Services provides quality early childhood education and family support programs in Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties.

Union Township Community Action Organization offers an early head start program for children from birth to age three. The organization also provides mental health support, family goal planning, health and nutrition screening and social service referrals to parents and families.

The Head Start initiative provides comprehensive child development programs for low-income children and their families. The program has been shown to improve educational outcomes for participating students, including by increasing rates of high school graduation and college attendance. Community organizations are awarded grants to provide Head Start services in their community through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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