Over the span of more than 40 years Sharon Baptist Head Start has witnessed the destruction of the family, the deterioration of the community, the loss of self esteem, and an increase of poverty. We have seen children lose their ability to dream. They are faced with shortened life expectancy, higher instances of school dropout and teenage pregnancy, diminished job opportunities, experiences with law enforcement and despair. We have also had the privilege of working with families who have been able to maintain its' dignity and progress with the assistance and support provided by our staff and partners.

It has been reported Head Start is "one of the few credible institutions that retain the trust of the families."

Most of our families are enrolled in the head start modality. Our strength is head start, a federally funded anti-poverty program started in 1965. It is the only program designed to counteract poverty from that period that still exists today. The reason, we believe it survives is HEAD START STILL WORKS.

"Investing in our children-the seed corn of our nation's future is key to our nation's economic recovery and the competitiveness in the global economy." Marian Wright-Edelman, President, Children's Defense Fund (CDF.)

Investing in our children is no waste of the American taxpayers' dollars. To ensure a more level playing field for all children in America and the world we must continue to contribute to their overall development with all our means. It is not robbery to share our resources. Our goal collectively should be that which CDF posits in its mission statement:

"To ensure every child a Healthy Staft, a Head Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood."

Invest now, your time, your money and your love to reap the reward of a greater future.