Kaptur Secures Major $5.1 Million Investment in Defiance Head Start Program
Defiance, OH — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced that the Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission will receive a $5,131,429 award for renovations of its Defiance Head Start building. The award is funded through the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families.
“Supporting our Head Start programs is critical for preparing the next generation of children to thrive throughout their education,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “Our region’s family services organizations need continuous Federal support in a timely manner to meet the needs of all that they serve. Fighting for answers on behalf of the Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission ensured that they got the funding necessary to expand their services for many Northwest Ohio families today and in the years to come. I look forward to seeing the future of this Head Start facility, as well as the futures of all the children who come through its doors.”
“Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission is deeply grateful to receive a grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services. The grant will fund the renovation of a space dedicated to Head Start and Early Head Start within an existing 37,200-square-foot building in Defiance,” said Angie Franklin, executive director of the Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission. “Built in 1971, the building sits in a plaza area that has long needed investment. We are excited to make it a welcoming place for children and families while bringing new life to the surrounding area. This project reflects NOCAC’s mission to minimize the effects of poverty by connecting people with opportunities and resources that support a secure future. We are proud of what it will mean for our community, grateful for Congresswoman Kaptur’s commitment to Northwest Ohio, and eager to share the progress and impact of this investment.”
Head Start, along with its companion program Early Head Start, helps children under the age of 5 and their families prepare for school. Through learning experiences, health assessments, family support, and early intervention, Head Start serves more than 25,000 young children throughout Ohio. NOCAC’s upcoming renovations to their Defiance Head Start building will allow for expanded space for both their preschool program and their Early Head Start program. The programs will give more than 80 preschoolers, along with pregnant women, infants, and toddlers, a space to seek resources they need to grow, succeed, and thrive.
As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Kaptur is dedicated to ensuring that Head Start programs both here in our region and across the country have the resources they need to provide for youth and their families.
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