Today, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be awarding a $4,228,211 grant to support Head Start and Early Head Start programs through the Center for Family Resources in Ringwood, New Jersey.

“This $4.2 million investment in Head Start is a win for our children, our families, and for our community’s return on investment from the federal government,” said Congressman Gottheimer. “Head Start invests in our children early to set them up for success. We know that for every dollar for Head Start returns $7 to $9 return, which is why I strongly support local organizations, like the Center for Family Resources in Ringwood, to keep up their incredible work. By clawing back more of the tax dollars that we have already sent to Washington, we can save locally to boost affordability and the quality of life for New Jersey families and businesses. I’m proud that the Fifth District has already clawed back $290 per household from the federal government, a 16% improvement over recent years.”

Center for Family Resources, Inc. is a non-profit headquartered in Ringwood, New Jersey that offers Head Start and Early Head Start programs to eligible children ages zero to five and pregnant mothers. Through their partnerships with local schools and community centers, they foster comprehensive student and family development at nine different sites across Passaic County – including in the Fifth District’s Ringwood and West Milford.

Head Start programs focus on young children from low-income families from birth to age five – enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development – and improving their education outcomes. The programs increase rates of high school graduation, boost college attendance, and foster positive parenting practices throughout a student’s participation.

Congressman Gottheimer has been focused on encouraging North Jersey organizations and towns to apply for grants and other programs that would return federal tax dollars to North Jersey.

In March, the Congressman joined local elected officials and first responders to announce that the Fifth District had clawed back $290 per household from Washington – 16% higher than in previous years – to support our local schools, boost storm preparedness and response, and fight crime and terror.