Webster Five Makes Donation To Fund New Head Start Center In Webster
From left to right: Sam Bitar – VP Business Systems Manager/Foundation Executive Director, Webster Five; Kerry Brennan – Chief Operating Officer, WCAC; Jill Dagilis – Executive Director, WCAC; Brian Westerlind – CFO, Webster Five & WCAC Treasurer/Board Member; Don Doyle – President/CEO, Webster Five
On Wednesday, March 28th, The Webster Five Foundation announced they will donate $25,000 to Worcester Community Action Council as part of their “Web of Caring to Make a Difference” program. The funds will be used to open a new four-classroom Head Start center in Webster.
WCAC is a federally designated community action agency serving central Massachusetts, which helps more than 75,000 people per year, through a variety of economic self-sufficiency and emergency programs. The Head Start program currently serves 221 children and their families out of Southbridge.
The program provides developmentally appropriate courses, health and nutrition services, meals, special education opportunities, and family services. The opening of a new, long-term Head Start site in Webster will grant more low-to-moderate-income families in the area an opportunity to pursue employment or training while knowing their child is being well cared for in a center close to home.
The new site will be located at the home of the former Webster Senior Center at 116 School Street. It will serve children from Webster, Oxford, Southbridge, East Brookfield, Leicester, Millbury and Spencer.
Don Doyle, president and chief executive officer of Webster Five tells THE LAKE 940, “We are honored to support the WCAC in their initiative to provide another safe place for children and families to grow and find balance in their lives.”
Executive Director Jill Dagilis said, “We are extremely grateful for Webster Five’s generosity and their commitment to supporting families in need living in our local community.”
The estimated $1.7 million dollar project, that has had additional state and private funding, is expected to be completed later this year.