Nearly 1,000 Central New York Children and Families to Benefit from Continued Investment in Early Childhood Education and Family Services
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) announced the release of more than $7 million in federal Head Start funding for PEACE, Inc., a Central New York agency that provides early childhood education, health, and family support services to nearly 1,000 low-income children and families across Onondaga County.
This funding represents the second installment of PEACE, Inc.’s annual Head Start grant, allowing the agency to continue delivering critical services including early learning, developmental screenings, nutrition, and support for working families. The Congressman visited PEACE, Inc. in April to meet with educators, parents, and children and reaffirm his commitment to supporting anti-poverty initiatives that help lift families and strengthen communities.
Representative John W. Mannion said, “These funds are essential to helping nearly 1,000 children and families in Central New York receive vital care, support, and early education services. In communities like Syracuse—where childhood poverty remains among the highest in the nation—early childhood education is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Fighting for this funding is about giving every child – no matter their background – a fair start and the best chance to succeed. I’ll keep working to make sure Head Start gets the investment it deserves.”
Carolyn D. Brown, PEACE, Inc. Executive Director, said, “We are pleased and relieved to see the release of more than $7 million for essential Head Start education, health, and developmental services. These local investments are critical for the 918 low-income Head Start children and families that we serve in Onondaga County. The funds are especially critical for the city of Syracuse, which has the highest percentage of childhood poverty in the nation. On behalf of PEACE, Inc. and our clients, I would like to thank Congressman Mannion for his continued support of Head Start and the agency’s other federally-funded anti-poverty programs.”
For 60 years, Head Start has enjoyed strong bipartisan support and helped more than 40 million children and families access high-quality early learning and support. The release of these funds comes at a time when Head Start programs are under pressure. While this year’s funding avoids cuts, it marks the third consecutive year of flat federal funding for Head Start—a reality that poses serious challenges in the face of rising costs, workforce shortages, and increased demand.
Congressman Mannion has consistently supported Head Start, and recently signed a letter in support of increased Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations to ensure Head Start programs like that at PEACE Inc. have the resources necessary to keep up with inflation and increased needs from the community.
