From Stories to Action: Head Start Advocates Gather in Sacramento

Head Start made our loud and proud voices heard at the Capitol last month! More than 200 staff and parents visited Sacramento with a message: Head Start is here, Head Start works, and Head Start needs your support. 

The day began with inspiration from Head Start parent Arisha Peabody, who shared her moving story of beginning life in a new country as a Navy spouse while caring for her son who was born at 25 weeks weighing just one pound. Despite being a physician in her home country of Malaysia, Arisha found herself “drowning – and as the water was reaching new heights, [her] son was accepted into Neighborhood House Association’s Early Head Start” program. There, she has watched him “blossom into the most amazing, emotionally intelligent, vibrant child.” She reminded us all to “Be loud. Be proud. Don’t ever shy from telling our story, because the Head Start program matters.” 

After learning about how to best conduct meetings with legislators and a briefing on SB 902, attendees headed to the Capitol. A rousing march around the building showed our Head Start pride, spirit, and dedication. And in more than sixty meetings that afternoon, we ensured legislators’ continued support for our children and families. View the event photos on Facebook.

We hope to see you in Sacramento next year–save the (tentative) date of May 25, 2027!