Visclosky Announces Funding to Geminus Head Start

Merrillville, IN – Today, Congressman Pete Visclosky announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded funding to the Geminus Corporation of Merrillville to support its Head Start services.

According to Geminus President Sanford Kauffman, the funding will allow Geminus to maintain its current Head Start services, instructing children up to age five at locations around Northwest Indiana. Head Start is a national program designed to encourage early childhood development, especially for low-income children and children with disabilities.

Mr. Kauffman said, “We are extremely grateful to receive this funding, and glad to be able to continue offering Head Start and Early Head Start services to the people of Northwest Indiana. What is unique about Head Start is the level of engagement it entails, not just from the students, but from their families as well. We are pleased to have the chance to contribute to our community by offering these wonderful programs, and once again are very grateful for this funding allowing us to do so.”

Congressman Visclosky said, “Head Start assists working families and their young children to ensure they are school-ready by offering programs designed to foster the skills they need to achieve academic success. It has been my privilege to visit a number of the Head Start classrooms throughout Northwest Indiana, and I have always been impressed by the good work of Geminus Head Start’s teachers and staff. I am pleased that they have received assistance so that they can continue to provide these vital services to the families of Northwest Indiana.”

The Head Start program promotes school readiness in children from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development. The program encourages family involvement, and emphasizes the role of parents as their child's first and most important teacher.

This award totals $6,216,265.