Renewal of $2.7 million federal grant assures five years of funding for NeighborImpact’s Head Start program
KTVZ
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As child care providers across the country await clarity amid delayed and frozen federal funding, NeighborImpact said Wednesday it has received confirmation of a renewed $2.7 million federal grant that will enable its Head Start program to continue serving families in Central Oregon for the next five years.
While NeighborImpact continues to assess how ongoing child care funding uncertainty may affect other programs, it said “this renewal provides continued, reliable early learning and care for families enrolled in Head Start.”
NeighborImpact Director of Marketing and Communications Rachel Haakenson told KTVZ News the grant awarded for 2026 totals $2,748,320.
“This is the same exact amount that was awarded in 2025 and is the first time in at least six years —possibly longer — that funding remained completely flat over the prior year,” she said.
The grant renewal supports NeighborImpact’s Head Start program in Crook and Deschutes counties, which currently serves 617 children and their families through early childhood education, health services, and family support. (Jefferson County is served by another grantee.)
Head Start is a comprehensive early learning and family engagement program for children from birth to age 5. Designed to support families facing economic hardship, the program offers classroom- and home-based education and connects families to health screenings, nutrition support, and other resources that help children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn and help parents build stability at home.
“This funding allows us to continue doing what Head Start does best — supporting children’s development while partnering with families during some of the most formative years of a child’s life,” said Kim Brown, director of Head Start at NeighborImpact. “For the families we serve, Head Start isn’t just pre-school. It’s a foundation for long-term success.”
NeighborImpact pointed out that it has continued to grow its early-learning services in Central Oregon. The organization recently opened its second Early Head Start Center, providing in-person care and education for 2- and 3-year-olds in classroom settings.
Early Head Start centers are currently located in Redmond and Prineville, where families have access to reliable child care that allows parents to work. NeighborImpact is seeking funding to expand Early Head Start classrooms in Bend, La Pine and Sisters.
“Especially in times of uncertainty, families need consistency,” said NeighborImpact Executive Director Scott Cooper. “This renewal allows us to continue providing stable, high-quality Head Start services that are proven and effective in ending intergenerational poverty.”
NeighborImpact said the Head Start programs support children and families in Central Oregon by strengthening early learning and long-term well-being. The program takes a whole-family approach, offering support that extends beyond the classroom.
NeighborImpact Head Start is accepting applications now. Families interested in enrolling their children can call 541-323-6543 or visit www.neighborimpact.org/headstart for more information.