Press Releases

Monday, December 7 2009 — Troy, NY  

The Commission on Economic Opportunity for the Greater Capital Region, Inc. (CEO) announced today that they have received $1.1 million dollars from the Federal government in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to expand their Early Head Start program.

Part of these funds will go towards opening a new Family Resource Center in the southern portion of Rensselaer County and will provide at least two Early Head Start classrooms for infants and toddlers, plus two Head Start classrooms for pre-school aged children.  CEO will also expand several of their existing sites, some of which include the Family Resource Centers in Rensselaer and Hoosick as well as Stepping Stones I in Lansingburgh. In addition, CEO will also expand the Baby in Waiting Program which provides care for pregnant women.

“I am thrilled that we will be receiving this money.   These funds will give us the capability to expand our services into the southern portion of the County, a longtime goal of mine,” stated Karen E. Gordon, Executive Director.  “I am very excited to offer the full spectrum of service that we offer in the rest of the County and also to create more than 20 new jobs, along with continuing education and on the job training.  This will help this area of the County where employment opportunities are lacking.”

Head Start is a federally funded comprehensive child development program that was created to help economically disadvantaged children prepare for school.  More than 90 percent of Head Start children live at or below the poverty level and would not receive comprehensive developmental services at such an early age if not for this program. 

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