In this issue: Learn how you can help protect Head Start; join us for our Young Professional Group’s annual Bingo Night; and Give STL Day donations support our Counseling services.
Act Now to Protect Head Start
With many competing federal funding priorities, it’s important that our most precious resources – our children – don’t get lost in the shuffle. Americans understand that children are our future, and that making sure that every child has a chance to succeed is what makes our nation great. Any cuts to Head Start funding would hurt children and families throughout the country, including the more than 1,400 that Youth In Need serves right here in Missouri. Thankfully, we’ve seen effort across the country to help protect this life-changing program. This week, Jennifer Garner visited NBC’s TODAY to shine a light on her support for Head Start, saying, “There’s nothing more optimistic than reaching a kid when they’re young.”
Now, more than ever, it is crucial for all of us to take action. What can you do?
- If you’re a Head Start parent, caregiver or former Head Start student or family member, you can join thousands of others in signing a letter to the President and Congress to protect this life-changing program.
- Urge your member of the House of Representatives to sign onto the Head Start appropriations support letter for FY26.
- Remind your Senators that cutting funding for Head Start would be catastrophic to children, families and communities.
The National Head Start Association has made it easy to take action. So far, there are almost 50,000 signatures on the letter to the President, putting us almost halfway to our goal of 100,000! In addition, more than 300,000 emails have been sent to Congress, and we need to keep that momentum going in order to ensure protection for Head Start.
Please take two minutes to click the links below and help us stand up for this amazing program. Together, we can unite to show how important and impactful Head Start truly is.
Join Us for Bingo Night
Join us for Youth In Need’s Bingo Night hosted by our Young Professionals Group! Bingo Night is Friday, May 30, 2025, at The Heights in Richmond Heights. Doors open at 6 p.m., and Bingo begins at 7 p.m. Individual tickets are $25 each and include 10 rounds of bingo, raffles, silent auction, games and more!
Mark Your Calendars for Give STL Day
The St. Louis Community Foundation’s Give STL Day returns on May 8, 2025, as a way for community members to support their favorite organizations, including Youth In Need! This year, all donations from Give STL Day will support Youth In Need’s Counseling program in honor of Mental Health Month.
