Schwarz Supports Head Start, Local Development

SCHWARZ SUPPORTS HEAD START, LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

3/31/2005

JACKSON - U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz (R-Battle Creek) today used his visit with Community Action Agency officials to tout his support for their efforts to strengthen our communities.

Head Start: Head Start and Early Head Start are comprehensive child-development programs that serve children from birth to age 5, pregnant women, and their families. They are child-focused programs and have the overall goal of increasing the school readiness of young children in low-income families.

There are 19 Head Start centers in Jackson, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties run by the tri-county Community Action Agency. The program serves 200,000 meals to children participating in the program and immunizes them against communicable diseases. In Jackson County, the program is jointly run by the agency and the Jackson Intermediate School District.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' latest review of the tri-county program found its services to be exemplary.

"Head Start is an integral part of setting a sound foundation for successful children" Dr. Schwarz said. "The success of Jackson's Head Start program demonstrates that, and I am so pleased to have this gem in my district. Early-childhood development is a key component of our educational system, and this program is doing a superb job of getting our kids ready for the future."

"And it was pleasure to read to these bright young kids."

Partnership Park: Dr. Schwarz also met with community leaders regarding the Partnership Park neighborhood-development program on Mechanic Street in Downtown Jackson.

The Community Action Agency, in conjunction with the State of Michigan, is working to convert a once high-crime area into a neighborhood that will enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood as well as the community as a whole.

"As a former mayor, I can say this is exactly the kind of program our local officials should be working on," Dr. Schwarz said. "As the congressman for this district, I will do whatever I can to assist with this project and I thank the city officials and the Community Action Agency for bringing their work to my attention."

U.S. Rep. JOE SCHWARZ represents the 7th Congressional District of Michigan, which includes parts of Calhoun and Washtenaw counties and all of Branch, Eaton, Jackson, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties. A practicing physician for over 30 years, he previously served in the U.S. Navy, the Central Intelligence Agency, and in local and state government. He currently sits on the House Agriculture, Armed Services and Science committees.

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