CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ANNOUNCES OVER $21 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH SERVICES IN COLUMBUS

COLUMBUS, GA – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is awarding four grants totaling $21,102,507 to Enrichment Services Program, Inc. in Columbus, Georgia, for its Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The Head Start program supports early learning and development, health, and well-being for low-income families. The Early Head Start programs provide intensive comprehensive child development and family support services to low-income infants and toddlers (under the age of 3) and their families, and to pregnant women and their families.

"One of the best investments we can make in the future of our community is our children, and I am glad to announce these federal funds which will help families in the Columbus/Chattahoochee Valley area," said Congressman Bishop. "The Head Start and Early Head Start Programs – working through community organizations like Enrichment Services Program – make sure that families have the vital resources they need to help children's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development which helps set children up for success throughout their lives."

"Enrichment Services Program has had the honor of providing high quality early childhood services for over 50 years because of the federal funding received for our Head Start program," said Enrichment Services Program, Inc. CEO Belva Dorsey. "We appreciate Congressman Bishop's ongoing support of all of the services provided by Enrichment Services Program, to include the Early Head Start and Head Start Programs. We will continue to prepare children to be successful in school and work with their entire family on their journey to economic self-sufficiency."

Enrichment Services Program, Inc. (ESP) was established in 1965, is based in Columbus and serves approximately 6,000 low to moderate income people annually throughout 11 counties. ESP provides early childhood services in Chattahoochee, Clay, Harris, Meriweather, Muscogee, Quitman, Russell (Alabama), Stewart, Talbot, and Troup Counties.

Congressman Bishop is a strong supporter of the Head Start Program. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, he has worked to establish robust funding based on the current needs of the program each year. In the Fiscal Year 2023 the Administration of Children and Families, which includes Head Start and Early Head Start programs, received $34.4 billion in discretionary budget authority.

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