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Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start Celebrates Head Start Awareness Month with Exciting Staff

ChamberGeneral News ArticleCommunityHuman Interest

Organization recognizes 30-year milestones and welcomes new team members
 
Springfield, MA – October is Head Start Awareness Month. Since 1965, Head Start has served as more than an early childhood education program. It has been a launchpad for 40 million children to succeed in school and life, a partner to families pursuing education and careers, and a catalyst for growth in communities nationwide. Today, the program serves nearly 750,000 children and families annually, generating more than 13 percent annual return on investment.
 
But the impact goes beyond numbers. The true success of Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start (HCS Head Start) is found in the parent who earned their degree while their child was enrolled, the parent who was able to work because of childcare, and our community thriving because Head Start brought people together. As the organization celebrates 60 years, it remains committed to providing qualifying families with a source of support for a brighter future including educating children, supporting families, and building healthy communities.
 
In celebration of Head Start Awareness Month, HCS Head Start is proud to highlight a new team members:  
 
  • Jeni (Jeniliz) Rodriguez was recently promoted to Human Resources Senior Generalist. Rodriguez began her Head Start journey as a child attending the program in Puerto Rico. She later joined HCS Head Start as a Human Resources Assistant after gaining valuable experience with Raymour & Flanigan, where she grew from Customer Care Representative to Recruiting Coordinator. She earned her associate’s degree in business administration and management at Holyoke Community College.
 
In addition, HCS Head Start is pleased to recognize the following four employees who are celebrating an extraordinary 30 years of service.
 
  • Lori Chaves joined HCS Head Start immediately after graduating from University of Massachusetts Amherst. Over the years, she has held nine positions and earned her master’s degree from American International College (AIC). She now serves as Director of Clinical and Family Services.
  • Janet Steigmeyer began as an Administrative Assistant and now serves as Chief Operating Officer. When she joined the organization, she had only graduated high school. She often shares this part of her story to inspire others to believe in their potential. She earned her degree at American International College (AIC).
  • Maritza Izquierdo first connected with HCS Head Start as a parent of three children who attended the program in Holyoke. She started as a volunteer and substitute teacher, eventually earning her degree from Holyoke Community College (HCC). Today she is a Teacher at the Westover Center in Chicopee.
  • Carmen Calderon has devoted three decades to serving children through multiple roles. She currently serves as a Teacher at the Churchill Center in Holyoke.
 
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate both the impact of Head Start and the remarkable commitment of both our new, and seasoned, team members,” said Nicole Blais, President and CEO. “Their dedication is what makes this organization strong and allows us to support families year after year.”
 
HCS Head Start invites the community to share their Head Start stories and join in celebrating the program’s 60-year legacy. Stories can be shared by emailing info@headstart.org or on social media using #HeadStartAwareness and #HeadStart60.
 
For more information or questions please contact Meghan Rothschild (413-218-4994 | meghan@chikmedia.us.
 
The following images are attached for media use:
1. Jeni Rodriguez 
3. Lori Chaves 
4. Janet Steigmeyer 
5. Maritza Izquierdo 
NOTE: A photo of Carmen Calderon was not available. 
 
 
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Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start has been providing high-quality early childhood education services for children and families in cities and towns located in Western Massachusetts since 1965. They are committed to providing low-income children and their families with a source of support for a brighter future. They strive to do so by providing high quality comprehensive child development services to enrolled children and empowering families to achieve stability in their home environment. 

Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start Celebrates Head Start Awareness Month with Exciting Staff