More than $8.5 million to help New Bern organization with Head Start Projects

NEW BERN, Craven County — A New Bern organizations will receive more than $8.5 million for its Head Start Projects, according to Congressman Greg Murphy.

Murphy says the Department of Health and Human Services announced that a $8,562,352 grant will help Coastal Community Action, Inc. serve 617 Head Start children, as well as 142 infants, toddlers and pregnant women. He says the project will run for a year starting Sept. 1.

“Education is the great equalizer in our society, particularly for under-privileged children," Murphy said. "We are grateful that HHS is providing this grant to assist the next generation of movers and shakers in New Bern. I am excited to see Coastal Community Action use these funds to continue to provide these children with a better chance at a bright future through quality education.”

Head Start, officials say, is a program that provides assistance to low-income families, helping children prepare for school and focusing on the development of the whole child.