SNAP as Public Assistance for Head Start Eligibility – The Office of Head Start recently announced families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are now eligible to apply for Head Start/Early Head Start services.

This policy change, which went into effect on April 21, 2022, allows Head Start programs to reach families better, minimize the burden on families seeking public assistance, and coordinate benefit programs so that families eligible for one program can more easily participate in other services for which they qualify.

Research has shown that SNAP households with young children have equivalent level of need to families currently receiving Head Start services. The majority of households with young children who receive SNAP benefits have incomes below 100% of poverty.

In addition to TANF and SSI, programs now consider SNAP as “public assistance” for purposes of determining eligibility. The inclusion of SNAP benefits as public assistance will expand the pool of eligible participants in Head Start programs for these households.

If you receive SNAP benefits, you are now eligible to apply for Luzerne County Head Start’s early childhood education program.

LCHS is currently enrolling expectant families and children ages 0-5 in Head Start & Early Head Start. To begin an application, click HERE or call 570.829.6231 or 800.551.5829.

Luzerne County Head Start, Inc. (LCHS) will hold its 3^rd annual “Walk for Wellness” on May 16, 2022 from 1pm-2pm at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre. The event coincides with the agency’s 57th anniversary celebration. The Walk for Wellness encourages all staff to gather at the park for a day of relaxation and to celebrate the end of the 2021-2022 program year. LCHS believes that in order to create a culture of health in an early childhood environment, educators and staff must also feel supported and valued in their health and well-being.  The goal of this event is to recognize all staff for exceptional performance and encourage, support and reward their professionalism for the job they do.  Well-taken care of employees will help our community’s most vulnerable children receive the education and support they need to be successful.

In addition to the Walk for Wellness, LCHS will celebrate 57 years of services during a virtual celebration earlier that day. All staff who are celebrating milestone anniversaries with the agency will be honored, as well as four community organziations, who have been named LCHS’s 2021-2022 “Outstanding Community Partners.” These include: Pastor David Walker and the Dallas United Methodist Church; Joe and Bedonna Mitchneck, founders of the “Toys from Heidi” project; Caitlin Styczen and Mondelez international and Chief Donald Leshko and the Hazleton Fire Department. LCHS would like to thank our Gold and Silver Level Sponsors who helped to make both of these events possible.

GOLD LEVEL ($500)

SILVER LEVEL ($250)