Cheryl Watkins: President and CEO of YWCA Metro St. Louis, gives opening remarks during a celebration of 60 years of Head Start programs in the region.
Four major nonprofit organizations in the St. Louis area recently celebrated 60 years of providing Head Start services — a program supporting early childhood education for low-income families. The event took place at the YWCA South County Head Start Center and highlighted the resilience of these providers after facing uncertainty over federal funding earlier this year.
The organizations — YWCA Metro St. Louis, Youth in Need, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, and Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation — served nearly 5,000 children under age 5 in 2024.
Earlier this year, potential federal funding cuts caused concern for these programs. The proposal, introduced by the Trump administration, was later withdrawn. Head Start is now funded through 2026, maintaining its long-standing bipartisan support.
Cheryl Watkins, CEO of YWCA Metro St. Louis, emphasized that Head Start plays a vital role in bridging early childhood education gaps for underserved communities across urban, suburban, and rural areas.
“What Head Start does is level the playing field for a lot of our children, especially in disenfranchised communities,” she said.
Pat Holterman-Hommes, CEO of Youth in Need, underlined the economic importance of early childhood investment.
“It helps children start life strong, and it supports parents by providing safe, high-quality childcare,” she noted.
The event brought together nonprofit leaders, families, and lawmakers, including Congressman Wesley Bell, who expressed interest in introducing legislation to protect the program.
“Education is the great equalizer,” Bell said. “It’s essential that every young person has access.”
Diana Hayes, CEO of Jefferson Franklin Community Action Co., urged community members to advocate for the program.
“If Head Start has impacted your life or your family’s, speak up,” she said. “Your stories matters”
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