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Media Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 25, 2018 Contact:
Ellen M. Ganley, Director of Development 508 762-9807
EGanley@WCAC.net
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McGovern touts importance of Head Start
$600K in federal funds & $20K from Berkshire Bank
newly committed for WCAC Webster project
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Congressman James McGovern announces at $600,000 grant from the federal Administration of Children & Families to support WCAC Webster Head Start project.
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Webster, Massachusetts - Congressman James P. McGovern toured Worcester Community Action Council's Head Start renovation project located 116 School Street in Webster today and announced his success in securing $600,000 from the Federal Administration of Children & Families (ACF) to support the project. This is the second major commitment of federal resources to the capital project, following $500,000 Congressman McGovern secured in August 2017.
"This is a big deal. Head Start is one of the best programs we have for breaking the cycle of poverty that prevents far too many students from living up to their God-given potential," said Congressman Jim McGovern. "For every dollar we invest in Head Start, our country realizes nine dollars in benefits through increased earnings and decreased reliance on safety net programs. This grant, together with the half million dollars we secured in 2017, is a huge investment in the children and families of Worcester County. I'm proud of my advocacy to secure this vital funding and thankful to our team of local, state, federal, and nonprofit partners who brought this vision to life."
The project involves the renovation of a building owned by the Town of Webster-its former Senior Center- for the purposes of relocating four of WCAC's twelve Head Start classrooms from Southbridge to Webster. Substantial work has been completed with an anticipated opening in January 2019.
WCAC Executive Director Jill Dagilis said, "We are most grateful for the Congressman's tireless advocacy and support. This project, the largest the agency has undertaken in its history, will result in a high quality center, serving 71 children and their families. We are thrilled to be receiving these important resources which will allow us to bring critical Head Start services back to a community where they are needed. The establishment of a Head Start site in the heart of Webster will afford low-income families the opportunity to pursue employment or training while knowing their child is being well-cared for in a center close to home." Dagilis recognized the strong support the Town of Webster has shown to the agency for this project since WCAC first began exploring options for the new center.
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Representatives from Madigan Construction show WCAC Executive Director Jill Dagilis, MA State Rep. Joe McKenna and Congressman McGovern progress on the $2.9m project.
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Doug Willardson, Webster's Town Administrator underscored the importance of the project for area families and noted the Town's commitment through a 25-year lease and planned in-kind support including parking lot and grounds improvements.
The $2.9 million dollar project is being funded to date by $1.8 million dollars in state and federal resources and more than a half-million dollars raised through the generosity of private and corporate donors . WCAC is continuing efforts to raise an additional $500,000.
Representatives from Berkshire Bank also attended the event on Thursday to announce a $20,000 grant to support the new center. "We are so pleased to assist the Worcester Community Action Council with the establishment of this new home for their Head Start Center. We know that early education is critically important to a child's future success, which is the reason it is a priority for our Foundation. We are proud to play a role in helping to make this center a reality for the children of Worcester County," said Lori Gazzillo Kiely, director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation.
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State Representative Joseph McKenna and WCAC Head Start Co-Director are excited by the project's progress.
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Upon completion, the main level of the new center will feature two 18-slot classrooms and one 17-slot classroom, two offices, a reception area, storage areas , and three restrooms.
The
lower level will have one 18-slot classroom, a multi-purpose room, an office, conference room, a kitchen and three restrooms. The comprehensive renovation includes the installation of an elevator, a new roof, energy efficiency improvements, and new HVAC, electrical, and sprinkler systems. The parking lot will be resurfaced to enhance accessibility, the exterior retaining wall will be repaired, railing/fencing improvements will be completed and an exterior play area and climbing structure will be installed.
The Head Start model provides developmentally-appropriate curricula, health and nutrition services, breakfast, lunch and snacks, as well as special-education opportunities and critical family support services. All classrooms are nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Services are provided at no charge to families meeting income-eligible guidelines. WCAC's Head Start program serves families from the communities of East Brookfield, Leicester, Millbury, Oxford, Spencer, Southbridge and Webster.
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About WCAC
Since 1965, the Worcester Community Action Council has served as the federally designated anti-poverty agency for central and southern Worcester County, with a mission of helping people move to economic self-sufficiency through programs, partnerships and advocacy.
Serving the City of Worcester and 45 neighboring communities of Auburn, Blackstone, Boylston, Brimfield, Brookfield, Charlton, Clinton, Douglas, Dudley, East Brookfield, Hardwick, Holden, Holland, Hopedale, Hubbardston, Grafton, Leicester, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Monson, New Braintree, North Brookfield, Northborough, Northbridge, Palmer, Oakham, Oxford, Paxton, Rutland, Shrewsbury, Southbridge, Spencer, Sterling, Sturbridge, Sutton, Upton, Uxbridge, Wales, Warren, Webster, West Boylston, West Brookfield and Westborough.
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