Van Buren Head Start Applying for $200k in Grant Funds

The Van Buren Head Start Program, operated by the Upper Cumberland Human Resources Agency, will apply for nearly $200,000 in grant funding.

UCHRA Executive Director Mark Farley says a large portion of the grant funding will be renewable.

“We have the opportunity to seek some additional funding of about $150,000 that would be reoccurring,” Farley says, “and also around $49,000 for just a one-time request to do some upgrades that we have at that facility.”

Farley says the funding will be beneficial for various aspects of the program from the facility to the staff.

“I think they’re wanting to do some kitchen upgrades and stuff around the building with the $49,000,” Farley says. “The $150,000 would just increase our operating budget on a yearly basis. We’ll probably provide more supplies and more staff.”

The UCHRA Executive Board voted to approve the grant application during their December meeting. No word on when the agency will be notified on when the grant will be awarded.

The Van Buren Head Start Program provides educational services to high-risk children from low-income families . Tennessee Head Start programs serve approximately 20,000 students statewide annually.