based on income level or other risk factors. Other factors equate to automatic eligibility, such as receiving income assistance from the government, including Supplemental Security Income or disability assistance, and children who are wards of the state or in foster care. HSWC is allowed to admit a small number of families that do not meet these requirements if other risk factors exist.
A COMMUNITY COMMITMENT Though it’ s funded primarily by grants from the federal Department of Health and Human Services, the Maryland State Department of Education, and the Maryland Purchase of Care System, HSWC must match any grant or federal funding with over $ 1 million in contributions and in-kind services from the community in order to remain eligible for their grant funding each year. Local Head Start staff are active at community events like fairs and health expos and serve as board members for other area nonprofits. Community engagement at this level allows HSWC to reach out to families in need and raise awareness of its mission. The higher the level of awareness, the more successful their program events, like the annual Run Through History fund-raiser, which helps HSWC to pay for additional necessary expenses not covered by grant funding. Last year, 400 runners in the 5k and 10k races raised a total of $ 10,000 for Head Start, helping ensure the organization’ s comprehensive programs will continue to serve at-risk children and families even in the midst of recession.“ We have successfully relied on community support from volunteers, parents, businesses and local organizations to help us continue services to the neediest of the needy children and families,” Paul says. §
Head Start of Washington County
Main office: 325 W. Memorial Blvd., Hagerstown 301-733-0088 Visit www. headstartwashco. org for a full listing of locations.
Head Start’ s 34 th annual Run Through History will be held June 2 at Antietam National Battlefield. To register, visit www. runthroughistory. org.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Cumberland Valley, Inc.
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Hagerstown: The Best of Life in Washington County & Beyond May / June 2013 31