Budget cuts would be detrimental

I am a strong believer and supporter of Head Start and the Early Child Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP). Head Start has changed my life for the better. In May 1998, I had my first daughter and I found myself in a dilemma: I was heavily involved in a gang and selling drugs. Having been raised half my life by an abusive mother and the other around drug using families, I had never been taught how to be a good parent. At my daughter’s birth, I found myself wanting to be a good dad but I had no idea how to or even what direction to go to be a good dad.

When my daughter turned 3 she was enrolled in Head Start. I found myself hesitant to get in involved but I did. Head Start staff saw the potential I had as a parent and embraced that. They helped me receive my GED, get my driver’s license, set goals, and for the first time I started to think about my future.

I am no longer in a gang or participate in that lifestyle. I do not know where I would be in my life right now if it wasn’t for Head Start. This great program is for low income families that need help and family support. The name says it all, Head Start, and that is what it gave my children and me.

ECEAP provides similar services to parents and children, allowing many families to benefit. These are not just childcare programs, they are family orientated programs that strengthen families and help them to become better in their lives. To cut ECEAP funding would be detrimental to many families like mine.

David McCormick
Everett