HEAD START FUND

Nikki and Darrell found a welcoming family when they enrolled their daughter, Alexandria, in Community Action’s Head Start Program.

The couple never let their physical disabilities stop them from being active members of the community. They were already passionate disability advocates when Alexandria was born. And when they joined the Head Start program after being told that their daughter was eligible to enroll, they found yet another passion. They noticed how Alexandria was excelling among her peers. She was learning to set goals, socialize, and build friendships.

Inspired by their daughter’s success, their shared passion for community involvement, and the warmth of the Head Start community, Nikki and Darrell decided to become advocates for the program. They have since volunteered; Darrell has served on the Head Start Policy Council, and attended the State Head Start Association Conference. Nikki also served as President of the Beaver Lake Parent Association. In return, they found the Community Action and Head Start communities so welcoming and inclusive that they consider them as an extended family.

Nikki says, “There are family advocates, parents, and kids that are engaged with people that look different, like the two of us who have visible disabilities keeping us in a wheel chair. Community Action Head Start is a great program that brings inclusiveness to the school system.”