[Author]by Santiago Ruíz
MNC Executive Director[/Author]
Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc. (MNC) is excited to share with the community, media, non-profit partners and government officials, that on Wednesday, June 4, they officially announced that Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc. received a Notice of Award (NOA) from the Department of Health & Human Services, awarding them a Head Start and Early Head Start Grantee contract for five years. Head Start is a national program for low-income families that promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of education, health, nutrition, disabilities support, parent engagement and other services to enrolled children and their families. Twenty-five percent of infants, toddlers and preschoolers nationwide live in families with incomes below the official poverty line. These children are at risk for a social delay or developmental disability.
As a community and an agency that works to serve the most marginalized sectors of families, MNC is committed to the continued opportunity to serve its community.
As leaders in the early childhood field for 40 plus years, with a relentless insistence on quality and adherence to rigorous high standards, Mission Neighborhood Centers-Head Start gets results for the neediest children. Its track record reflects capacity, quality, and a dedication to service delivery.
Decades of research show that a high-quality, pre-kindergarten program experience has lasting positive effects, particularly for the most at-risk children. MNC supports children in their preschool experience, and prepares them for school and a life-time of learning.
“By linking high-quality, coordinated health, social, community and educational support into its daily operations, MNC’s innovative bilingual social services in this diverse community has created a much needed pathway for success from cradle to career.” – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi
The total contract award of over $4 million, will include base funding, to expand and serve 365 (3-5 year olds) and 48 Infants and Toddlers (3 months to 36 months) for a total of 413 children at a minimum of 10 facilities. “MNC accepts with great pride and joy this award and recognizes the tremendous assets our families offer to this community. It is our work to ensure that our families share in the thriving economy as well as ensuring their children sees continued success in high performing schools.” – Santiago Ruiz, MNC Executive Director
