Latest news with #MindyDomb
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Head Start program celebrates 60 years with preschool graduations and legislative recognition
AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – Community Action Pioneer Valley's Head Start & Early Learning Programs (HS&ELP) marked 60 years of service with preschool graduation ceremonies this week and received special recognition from state legislators. On Thursday, May 15, the Amherst Community Child Care Center celebrated 14 preschool students who will transition to kindergarten this fall. The event featuring cheering for the graduates, recognition of Head Start parents, lunch, and games. The celebration also included a notable presentation from Lily Stowe-Alekman, staff director for Rep. Mindy Domb, who delivered a citation commemorating the 60th anniversary of Head Start. A similar event at the program's Westfield site included a surprise visit from a representative of Rep. Kelly Pease's office, who also presented a legislative citation recognizing the milestone. The national Head Start program, launched in May 1965, has provided early education and comprehensive services to over 40 million children and families over the past six decades. Community Action Pioneer Valley (CAPV) has been a regional leader in this effort, operating eight centers across Franklin, Hampshire, and parts of Hampden counties. 'Head Start is a two-generational program that has helped thousands of families in our region over the past 60 years to forge a foundation for early learning and development and long-term success,' said Clare Higgins, Executive Director of CAPV. The program's two-generational model supports not only the child but also the family. Each enrolled family is paired with a Family Advocate who helps identify goals and provides continuous support throughout their HS&ELP journey. Many parents have used the program's services to return to work or further their education, aided by the affordable, high-quality childcare HS&ELP provides. The centers offer part-day and full-day care at no or low cost, including meals, snacks, diapers, and formula. While these services meet essential needs, HS&ELP places strong emphasis on relationships. 'I love the strong bonds and relationships built together,' one Head Start parent wrote in a recent survey. 'I've had several children go through the program at our site. I have been able to meet so many parents and share our experiences, hopes, and goals for our families. I believe Head Start is a fantastic opportunity for building a better foundation for our kids' futures.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Amherst fire received funding for new gear and safety education
AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – The Amherst Fire Department has been awarded $22,090 in grants to support firefighter gear and education. The department says they will use the funds to replace about 30 face pieces for their self-contained breathing apparatuses. The money awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services will also go towards safety education for local youth and seniors. Brush fire spreads to Amherst home in dry weather 'This grant will enable the Fire Department to replace critical life safety equipment for our firefighters now, eliminating the need to wait for future Town capital expenses and alleviating pressure on the Town's capital budget,' said Amherst Fire Chief Lindsay Stromgren. In addition, the department was awarded funding over the past year to update equipment and implement safety programs, which include the following: FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant – $297,090 MEMA Emergency Management Performance Grant (FY24) – $9,500 Earmark Funding from State Representative Mindy Domb– $125,000 Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS) Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant (FY24) – $24,525 Massachusetts DFS Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant (FY25, Round 1) – $25,000 Massachusetts DFS Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant (FY25, Round 2) – $12,292 Massachusetts DFS SAFE Grant – $7,200 Massachusetts DFS Senior SAFE Grant – $2,598.50 'Our SAFE and Senior SAFE programs put firefighters in our primary schools and in our Senior Center to build relationships with the community and teach valuable fire safety lessons to some of our vulnerable populations,' said Chief Stromgren. These grants enable us to continue to provide this valuable public service, which we would not be able to do within our regular operational budget.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Leaders meet to support immigrants in Massachusetts
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Tuesday evening, State Senator Jo Comerford and State Rep. Mindy Domb hosted the American Civil Liberties Coalition Union of Massachusetts. In the meeting, legislators and organizations discussed with community members on ways they can support immigrants and refugees in Massachusetts. Ariana Keigan from the Pioneer Valley Workers Center spoke about her experience of working with immigrants, and how they are an important part in the American workforce. 'These are the folks who are building infrastructure in our commonwealth,' she says. 'These are the folks that are putting food on our tables. And above all these are human beings. These are moms, dads, parents, neighbors, loved ones. And I think that it's important that in these moments to remember we are talking about human beings, and not people that just bring economic value to our country.' Members of the union say they plan to meet again to discuss ways to ensure immigrant safety. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
