WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $4,003,554 million to help fund Head Start and Early Head Start Programs at the Bergen County Community Action Partnership.

"It is absolutely vital that our youngest New Jerseyans get a head start on crucial educational and social development so they are not behind when they reach kindergarten and beyond," said Senator Menendez. “Investments in childhood development and education like this not only help our children thrive but also help our nation prosper in the global economy. I am very pleased that the Bergen County Community Action Partnership will receive this much-needed funding to ensure continuity and responsiveness to the children and families they serve every day."

“Preparing our young children through programs like Head Start provides them the tools they need to succeed later in life both in and out of the classroom,” said Sen. 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. I applaud Bergen County Community Action Partnership for their commitment to helping open doors and creating equal opportunities for all.”

The Greater Bergen Community Action is a 501(c) (3), not-for-profit Community Action Agency. Established in 1967, Greater Bergen is part of a nationwide network of poverty-fighting enterprises which were established as part of the nation’s effort to address the intractable and persistent problem of poverty in America. Through an outstanding Board of Directors with members from the private and public sectors, along with community leaders, Greater Bergen seeks to mobilize public and private resources to change the conditions in which low-income residents live and work, while also changing the institutions which impact their lives.

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 and Early Head Start services in their community through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Head Start programs primarily serve children ages three and four while Early Head Start serves pregnant women, infants and toddlers

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