Bresnahan Announces $200,000 for Local Head Start Programs

EAST STROUDSBURG, PA: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) announced over $200,000 in federal funding for Head Start programs in Monroe and Lackawanna Counties. The grants will help provide early childhood education, healthcare, nutrition, and family support services to children and families across the region.

"Every child deserves the chance to walk into the classroom ready to learn and succeed," said Rep. Bresnahan. "Head Start helps make that possible by giving young children and their families the support they need during some of the most important years of their lives. These grants will help strengthen that foundation for families across Northeastern Pennsylvania."

The grant awards include $217,747 for Pocono Services for Families and Children and $30,500 for the Agency for Community EmPOWERment (ACE) of NEPA.

"We are incredibly grateful for this $217,747 supplemental investment in Pocono Services for Families and Children and our Head Start program," said Kristi Hammond, MSW, Executive Director of Pocono Services for Families and Children. "These funds will allow us to make meaningful improvements to the environments and systems that support our children, families, and staff every day-from resurfacing the playground at the Eugenia S. Eden Early Learning Center in East Stroudsburg and the parking lot at our Ramsey Center in Stroudsburg, to strengthening our technology, cybersecurity, and financial management systems. Head Start is about much more than preparing children for kindergarten; it is about providing children and families with the comprehensive support and strong foundation they need to succeed. Investments like this help ensure that PSFC can continue providing safe, high-quality services to children and families throughout Monroe County. We appreciate the continued federal investment in Head Start and the recognition of how important these programs are to our local community."

"ACE of NEPA appreciates Congressman Bresnahan's continued support for Head Start and the children and families we serve," said Jim Wansacz, Executive Director of ACE of NEPA. "This $30,500 supplemental nutrition award will support breastfeeding pods, parent nutrition education, and healthy-eating initiatives throughout northeastern Pennsylvania."

Rep. Bresnahan has been a consistent supporter of Head Start. This year, he signed a Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations letter calling for robust federal funding to keep these programs strong.

"Education is one of the best ways we can open doors for the next generation," continued Rep. Bresnahan. "We need to make sure families, regardless of their circumstances, have access to the resources that help their children learn, grow, and reach their full potential. I'll continue working to bring those opportunities back home to Northeastern Pennsylvania."

Head Start provides critical services for children from birth to age five, focusing on families with the greatest need. The program supports school readiness and gives children access to health screenings, meals, and family support services.