The Clinton County Community Action Head Start held a recognition luncheon at Damon’s recently to honor community people and organizations that made a difference in the program by giving of their time and supporting the program throughout the year.

These people helped the Head Start program by being on the Policy Council, offering services such as dental and physical exams and lead testing, working with the local school districts to ensure the children get the services they need, collecting gifts for the holidays, offering monetary support for the program, assisting families in crisis and emergencies, supporting students to work with the children, donating supplies and, above all, being advocates for the children, families and the Head Start Program.

Without the community support, Clinton County Head Start would not be able to offer all of the services that are in place. Speech therapy is given to those children that need the services in part from United Way funds. Dental exams are done throughout the year by the dental clinic, physical exams are taken care of by Clinton Pediatrics and The Family Residency Center. Jackie Lundy came to the center to do lead testing for the children. Clinton County MR/DD was available to make sure the best interests of the children were met by setting up school meetings and advocating for the children and the Head Start Program. The Center of Warren and Clinton County helps the children and families. Fort Dodge and Micro Warehouse collected gifts for the children during the holidays. Geri Dare from Great Oaks Career Development Center had high school students that were enrolled in the ECE class working in the head start classroom, gaining experience and assisting the teachers. Mark Mielki of GE Elfin donates supplies each year. Ann Mielkie works on dance moves each year with one classroom. Donna Myers from Wilmington College has her students complete observations in the Head Start classrooms. Wilmington Church of God donates hats and gloves for each of the children every year. Randy Riley represents the county commissioners on the Policy Council and is an avid Head Start supporter. Family and Children First Coordinator Marsha Wagstaff, Brenda Harris from Alternatives to Violence and Pastor James Brown from the Word of Life Church are on the Policy Council and support the Head Start program by helping families in many ways.

The Head Start staff, children and families wish to thank these individuals and the organizations they represent publicly.