On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) toured Head Start facilities in Rock Falls to discuss efforts in Congress to invest in early childhood education programming in Western Illinois. Congressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.  Read More

After being closed since before COVID the Esperanza Center in Moline will open its doors to up to 80 preschool children this fall.  Head Start Director, Andrea Flannery is thrilled the center—located in the Floreciente neighborhood– will be filled with students.  “The Floreciente community has always embraced Project NOW’s Head Start.  We have a long and rich history partnering with this community to enhance lives.  We want to be that support in the city of Moline for these underserved neighborhoods. We want to share in their progress, success, and growth in our shared community,... Read More

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) encouraged local governments in Northwest and Central Illinois to apply for Thriving Communities program grants through the Department of Transportation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This week, the Biden administration announced that $30 million would be made available for local projects. “Rebuilding our economy means rebuilding our communities,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “Through community project funding, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and grant opportunities like the Thriving Communities program, President Biden and Congressional... Read More

SAL Family & Community Services (SAL), home to Skip-A-Long Child Development Services, is launching a major new initiative intended to transform the lives of low income expectant families and children until four years of age. Through the first and only Early Head Start Child Care Partnership Program (EHS CCP) serving the Illinois Quad-Cities, SAL continues its deep commitment to further the Q-C’s regional vision of cultivating a community that is both equitable and inclusive. The program is made possible thanks to a new annual $3.8-million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human... Read More