More than $7 million in federal funding has been granted to Head Start programs throughout the 7th District, including Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF), said a press release from Rep. Terri Sewell.
Head Start programs seek to help the children of low-income families with school readiness. A total of $7,170,627 were granted to programs in the 7th District.
“Our children are our future and our greatest asset,” Sewell said in the release. “Tragically, the COVID-19 pandemic deprived too many Alabama children of a safe, supportive learning environment, causing them to fall behind in their educational journeys.”
BBCF received $367,326. The group's president, Felicia Lucky, said that funds have enabled them to buy equipment such as laptops children and staff members.
“The Blackbelt Community Foundation has been overwhelmed with requests for support from our communities,” she said. “Funds made possible by the American Rescue Plan have allowed us to bridge the digital divide that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic."
"We were able to purchase laptops to keep our children and staff safe as we all worked to decrease the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Most importantly, we have been able to extend necessary resources for the communities supported by the Blackbelt Community Foundation in Choctaw, Dallas, Marengo, and Wilcox counties."
"This ensures our children have the tools necessary to navigate educational requirements during these unprecedented times.”
Others in the district to receive funds were:
Pickens County Community Action Committee and Community Development Corporation, Inc. - $271,606
Sumter County Opportunity, Inc. - $579,106
Lowndes Co. School District - $233,318
Berean Head Start - $143,580
“The best way to put our country on a path to prosperity is by investing in the next generation of change-makers,” Sewell stated further. “I’m so proud to announce that Head Start programs serving children in Alabama’s 7th District will receive over $7 million from the American Rescue Plan."
"This funding will help us bounce back from the devastation of the past year by getting parents back to work and providing our children the tools they need to grow and thrive.”
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