At Southern Oregon Head Start, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive—no matter their background or circumstance. That’s why, in the face of proposed federal budget cuts to Head Start programs across the country, we’ve taken bold steps to advocate for our children, families, and the vital services we provide.
Recently, our program was proud to host a press conference with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden at one of our centers in Medford. Senator Wyden voiced his strong support for Head Start, reaffirming his commitment to fight for the children and families who rely on programs like ours.
“There’s no better investment we can make as a society than in kids,” Wyden said during his visit. “Programs like Head Start are the foundation of a stronger future for all of us.”
But our advocacy doesn’t stop there.
Our Executive Director and Program Director have both traveled to the Oregon State Capitol to meet with lawmakers and emphasize the critical importance of early childhood education. They shared firsthand the impact Head Start has on Southern Oregon families and the long-term benefits that ripple through our communities when children have access to comprehensive, high-quality early education.
These efforts come after a budget scare that made the possibility of cutting services all too real. It’s a stark reminder that programs like Head Start are not immune to the consequences of political decisions. That’s why it’s more important than ever for us to raise our voices—not just as educators, but as advocates for opportunity and the future of every child we serve.
We are grateful to our community, our staff, and our elected leaders who continue to stand with us. Together, we will keep fighting to ensure that Head Start remains a strong and stable resource for families in Southern Oregon and across the nation.
Thank you for standing with us.
— Southern Oregon Head Start