WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $4,549,485 to support Head Start and Early Head Start programs at various HOPES Community Action Partnership locations throughout Northern New Jersey.

“Every child in New Jersey, regardless of which zip code they live in, deserves the opportunity for quality early childhood education in order to reach their full potential in school and beyond,” said Sen. Menendez. “Head Start and Early Head Start programs work and it makes a real difference for our youngest children and that’s why these investments are so important.”

“Quality early education programs like Head Start are the key to unlocking the tools children need to ensure future success,” said Senator Booker. “Each and every child in New Jersey, regardless of their family’s socioeconomic status, deserves access to a quality early education in order to help them reach their full potential. This federal investment will help provide our youngest students the tools they need to succeed well into the future, both in and out of the classroom.”

The following HOPES locations received awards:

  • $3,028,560 – Locations in Plainfield, Hoboken, and parts of Jersey City
  • $1,520,925 – Locations in Somerset County

“We are thankful to be able to continue to provide Early Head Start and Head Start services to the most vulnerable families in Hoboken, Plainfield and Somerset County. Having the funding approved to support children’s school readiness goals and to support families in meeting their family goals is not only a rewarding experience but also makes an impactful contribution to the communities we serve,” said Joselyn Estevez-Vargas, Director of Early Childhood at HOPES. “It is so important that funding continues to flow from Federal to local community agencies to provide Early Head Start and Head Start services. We look forward to another year of exceeding child outcome goals through the highest quality Early Childhood services every child deserves.”

HOPES Community Action Partnership (CAP), Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 1964 that provides programs which respond to the social, educational, and training needs of the community.

Both Head Start and Early Head Start provide comprehensive child development programs for low-income children from birth to age five and their families. 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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