Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., (GA-02) is pleased to announce that the U.S Department of Health and Human services (HHS) has awarded a $4,768,208 Head Start grant to the Middle Georgia Community Action Agency, Inc. These awards are typically used to fund programs aiding school readiness for low-income families with children under the age of five.

“I am delighted to announce this Head Start grant for the Middle Georgia Community Action Inc. Children are our future, and it is crucial that we make an early investment in their lives to lay the foundation for them to live prosperous and successful lives,” said Congressman Bishop. “For nearly 60 years, Head Start has been a cornerstone in the war on poverty, and its investment into early childhood continues to pay dividends. I will continue fighting in Congress for programs, like Head Start, that support local organizations that improve the lives of Georgia’s families.”

“We are immensely grateful to Congressman Sanford Bishop, Jr. for his unwavering support in securing the federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Head Start,” saidTammy Sosebee, Executive Director of Middle Georgia Community Action Agency and Heart of Georgia Community Action Council. “We share the commitment to elevating the lives of families and children throughout Middle Georgia. With this support, we will continue our mission of providing comprehensive early learning, health, nutrition, and family support services through our Head Start program.”

“This investment strengthens the fabric of our community by addressing the needs of disadvantaged individuals,” Sosebee added. “Congressman Bishop is greatly appreciated for his dedication and support of our vision to build a brighter future for children and families.”

Head Start programs are making a difference throughout Middle and Southwest Georgia. In May, the Macon-Bibb Economic Opportunity Council received a $4.2 million HHS grant award for Head Start projects. In April, HHS awarded over $19 million in Head Start grants to Enrichment Services Program, Inc. in Columbus, Georgia, which services over 1,300 children and their families in the area.

Head Start has been assisting America’s low-income children and their families since 1965 and has helped over 38 million children across the United States. According to the National Forum on Early Childhood Policy and Programs, high quality early childhood programs can yield a $4-$9 return per $1 invested. Head Start is effective in channeling taxpayer dollars to create positive social outcomes such as increasing the odds for securing employment and earn a college degree.

Middle Georgia Community Action Agency was founded in 1974, and in 1982 it merged with Heart of Georgia Community Action Council. Together they serve 33 counties, covering 21% of the state, and work on providing Georgians with rural transportation projects, Head Start, and counseling programs.