WASHINGTON – This week, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), a Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Acting Director of the Office of Head Start Tala Hooban demanding they release delayed federal funding for Urban Strategies Early Head Start in Phoenix. Yesterday, Urban Strategies received the funding they were owed.
Head Start provides affordable childcare, early childhood education, nutrition services, and support to low-income infants, toddlers, and their families. The funding, which was due September 1, 2025 was delayed, putting the program and the families it serves at risk. The delay placed services for 48 children and families in jeopardy and threatened the employment of more than 25 staff members. The program had been relying on reserve funds to cover salaries and emergency needs but could not remain open beyond the end of September without federal support.
“I’m beyond relieved that Urban Strategies has received the vital funding it needs to continue to serve families in Arizonan’s Third District,” said Rep. Ansari. “I’m glad that my office was able to quickly step in and work with HHS to resolve the issue and protect this critical program.”
“Thank you to Congresswoman Ansari for quickly addressing the needs of one of the Head Start Programs in her district. Having the program receive their notice of award, it provides a sense of security for them to focus on continuing providing high quality services to the children and families in their community,” said Jessica Rivera-Garcia Arizona Head Start Association Executive Director.
“On behalf of our early Head Start program, we are so thankful to receive our funding which will allow us to continue our services for our children and families,” said Shandeen Gomez Urban Strategies Early Head Start Director.
Read Ansari’s letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Acting Director of the Office of Head Start Tala Hooban HERE.
###
