The Peru Gazette

From the Office of Congressman Bill Owens

PLATTSBURGH, NY—Today Congressman Bill Owens announced that the Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $1,500,500 in grant funding to the Head Start Program run by Joint Council for Economic Opportunity (JCEO) of Clinton and Franklin Counties.

“Head Start programs like the one at JCEO are a proven tool preparing students for their educational careers and increasing the chance that they will succeed later in their lives,” said Congressman Owens. “Funding for these programs is a critical long-term investment in the growth and stability of communities throughout the region.”

JCEO of Clinton and Franklin Counties focuses support on individuals and families that are actively pursuing self-sufficiency, serving low-income communities across Clinton and Franklin counties. The Head Start program includes 17 Head Start centers and three home visit options that deliver comprehensive early childhood education services to 377 children and their families.

“This funding is really important to us,” said Bruce Garcia, CEO of JCEO of Clinton and Franklin Counties. “This means that we can continue to provide services throughout the entire two-county area, from Keeseville to St. Regis Falls to Tupper Lake. We’re really happy that we’ve gotten this and will be good to go for the rest of the year.”

JCEO of Clinton and Franklin Counties is one of 58 Community Action Agencies in New York State. 96% of JCEO service recipients are temporarily in need and not on any form of public assistance.