Kim Bruns, executive director of WO-CAP, said, “So we're really kind of looking at any and every option available to us, and so my plea would be, if any agency is in a position to assist us with some emergency funding, whether that be a no-interest loan or a grant or anything, just to help us kind of keep everything going and functioning as is current.”
A $220,000 donation is keeping the West Ohio Community Action Partnership’s (WOCAP) Head Start programs open temporarily after the government shutdown halted funding.
“Just working on those socialization skills for low-income families that may not have the opportunity to go to one of the preschools in the area,” said Phyllis Montrose, WOCAP Child Development Services director. “So what we do is that we work on writing skills, alphabet, name recognition, colors, shapes — everything that a child is going to need to get started in kindergarten to start their education career.”
Allen County Children’s Services is asking for donations for its 19th annual UnGarage Sale, an event that helps local families in need by offering free household items, clothing, and more.
They have locations around the county to provide free, comprehensive programming for children and their families and are currently taking applications. Allen County Head Start and Early Head Start are programs under the West Ohio Community Action Partnership that work with children from birth to 5 years of age to get them ready for school. The program is for low-income families to provide social, emotional, and intellectual growth to their children. They not only work in the classroom but also offer home visits to provide support in parenting skills.
Classes will be held in their new building on 8th Street with the first class starting August 22nd. Educators say that early education is the most important thing for our children as it not only teaches them learning skills but it also gets them started on basic social skills.
