U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $12,338,745 in federal funding for the Puerto Rican Family Institute, Inc., provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Head Start Program. The Head Start Center at the Puerto Rican Family Institute, Inc. provides a comprehensive, full-day child and family development program, including family, nutrition, health and education services, for low-income families with children ages 3-5 years that reside in the Morrisania neighborhood of the Bronx, NY.
“Study after study shows that the better we prepare and support our young children through programs like Head Start, the better they perform in school later in life,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal funding for the Puerto Rican Family Institute will provide young students and their families in the Bronx with health, education and other resources needed to succeed both in and out of the classroom. I am proud to support this essential funding for our communities and I will continue to fight to see that early childhood education remains a top priority.”
“Early childhood education programs like Head Start are critical in preparing students across New York State for future success,” said Senator Gillibrand.“This federal funding will assist the Puerto Rican Family Institute as it helps students and their families access the health, nutritional, social and educational resources needed to excel. I will continue fighting so that early childhood education programs receive the tools they need to invest in our children – the future of our country.”
“We are grateful to receive these Federal funds. Our achievement over the 60 years denotes our unwavering commitment to support all the children and their families at our Head Start and Early Head Start Program in the Bronx and Puerto Rico,” said Luis A. Rodriguez, MD, MBA, CEO, Puerto Rican Family Institute.
Head Start provides comprehensive child development programs for low-income children from birth to age five, as well as support and services for their families. Head Start programs primarily serve children aged three to five. The services this program offers include early education, health screenings, social and emotional health, nutrition, social services, and services for children with disabilities.
