The Boys Town Louisiana Early Head Start Program is now helping children and families in the heart of the Desire Neighborhood in New Orleans, Louisiana, thanks to its community partner – Kids of Excellence.
Kids of Excellence Child Development Center opened a second location in the Desire Neighborhood, which allows for the center and its partners to directly engage with families, as well as collaborate with community nonprofits.
"The Kids of Excellence second location benefits children and families of the Early Head Start Program as our new facility is located in a prime location that fosters direct engagement with our students, families and community," said Kristi Givens, Owner, Kids of Excellence.
The facility is located in a community square that is also home to a Daughters of Charity Health Clinic, Abundance of Desire Community Center, and is adjacent from Delgado Community College. "Our combined services will provide educational programs and leadership development opportunities that will benefit our students, families, and the community," said Givens.
Boys Town Louisiana began a partnership with Kids of Excellence Child Development Center in early 2015 as part of the federal Early Head Start initiative. This initiative provided $8.2 million in additional funding to increase education quality and expand capacity at preschools for children 3 and under in New Orleans. Boys Town was one of four organizations chosen to administer the Early Head Start Program.
Through their partnership, Boys Town and Kids of Excellence not only prepare youngsters for school to ensure a seamless transition, but also help maintain a healthy household for children in their care by offering Boys Town support services, including In-Home Family Services, Care Coordination Services and Common Sense Parenting® classes.
"We are really excited to be partnering with Kids of Excellence and for their new location," said Renaca Hick-Haskins, Director, Boys Town Early Head Start Program. "The new facility is very conducive to our program needs and with its location near other nonprofits and a community college, we can provide a one-stop-shop for the needs of the entire family."
Since starting the Early Head Start program, both Boys Town and Kids of Excellence have received very positive feedback and goals are being met.
