Press Releases

Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) announced that his work securing a boost in funding for federal Head Start programs today delivered more than $19 million in federal grants for Central Coast early learning programs in both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.

Carbajal, who earlier in his career worked with Head Start as a Parent Involvement Coordinator and Family Services Advocate, has consistently advocated in Congress for increased funding for critical early learning programs like Head Start and Early Head Start.

“One of my first jobs was working with Head Start–and I saw firsthand the huge impacts that their programming can have in giving every child on the Central Coast the chance to receive a high-quality education,” said Congressman Carbajal. “That’s why I’ve pushed every year that I’ve been in Congress to increase the funding for these programs, and to ensure the Central Coast has the resources it needs to help our local Head Start providers maintain this critical community service. After delivering nearly a billion-dollar increase in last year’s funding package, I’m proud to see the Central Coast benefit from this robust increase this year.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which last December received a $960 million boost in Head Start funding from Carbajal and his colleagues in Congress, approved $19,197,042 in grants for two community early learning providers on the Central Coast:

• $12,970,253 for Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County (CAPSLO)
• $6,226,789 for CommUnify, formerly the Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County

"CAPSLO is so appreciative of Congress awarding funding for the Regional Early Head Start and Head Start Program here in SLO County. Also, the Early Head Start Partnership Program was funded with Migrant and Seasonal Head Start funding,” said Elizabeth Steinberg, CEO of CAPSLO. “CAPSLO has served hundreds of low income children, ages 0-5 and their families every year since 1965. We thank our local Congressman Salud Carbajal for advocating for and informing the agency of receiving these continuing funds. Mr. Carbajal meets and visits the Head Start centers in his District frequently.”

“CommUnify is thrilled to be able to continue to provide quality early education to children 0-5 years of age and family support services to parents to ensure every child is socially, emotionally and academically prepared for kindergarten. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty,” said Patricia Keelean, Chief Executive Officer for CommUnify. “This ongoing support gives every child the head start needed to grow into happy, healthy and successful students.”

“Having worked with the Head Start program at CAC, now CommUnify, for many years – initially as a Site Supervisor and then as a Head Teacher – I have witnessed firsthand the enormous impact that early childhood education and Head Start has on our local children and families. The commitment of our staff and their passion for teaching truly provides an educational foundation which these children will carry with them as they enter the public school system in kindergarten, and throughout their lives,” said Lorraine Neenan, Director of Children’s Services for CommUnify.  “We so appreciate this grant funding which allows us to continue to do this important work.”