LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – A local early childhood education program will temporarily close as the federal government shutdown enters its fourth week.
The West Ohio Community Action Partnership (WOCAP) announced that its Head Start and Early Head Start programs will be suspended effective November 3, due to a lack of federal funding.
WOCAP is one of six agencies in Ohio facing the same situation because of the ongoing shutdown. The suspension will affect 307 children in Allen County and nearly 80 staff members. Federal funding provides not only pay for staff, but also breakfast and lunch for enrolled children.
“We happen to be one of the unfortunate entities where our grant, our renewal grant, starts 11/1. So, we don't have a grant agreement or no funding. So, as the shutdown continues, we would not have funding to be able to provide that program. We're going to work really hard this week to get resources for families and for our staff of local things that potentially could help with the situation,” said Kimberly Bruns, CEO of West Ohio Community Action Partnership.
Bruns said the organization is reaching out to the public to help support the affected children and staff. Those interested in assisting are asked to contact WOCAP directly.
