Luzerne County Head Start provided Samantha with a supportive environment to step out of her comfort zone. Meanwhile, her mother Heidi was beginning a career making a difference in the lives of other families.

Samantha suffered from severe anxiety as a child, particularly separation anxiety. Samantha’s doctor suggested putting her in daycare or preschool, but the family couldn’t afford it. They qualified for Pre-K Counts at LCHS, which gave Samantha the start she needed.

At first, Samantha struggled with anxiety in the classroom, even hiding when the school nurse visited for screenings. Over time, she adjusted to the environment while learning to manage her anxiety. Samantha developed a close bond with her teacher Miss Pat, who not only eased the transition, but encouraged her to socialize and develop independence.

“I believe Head Start impacted my life by giving me that strong foundation of learning and many techniques for both myself and my mom to use when I struggled most with my anxiety,” Samantha said.

During this period, Heidi was pursuing her college degree. She began volunteering at LCHS, which turned into a classroom substitute role. This led to working as an associate teacher once she graduated. Later, she pivoted to home visiting as an Early Head Start family educator.

Heidi worked with families who were nervous about sending their children to preschool. She shared her own experiences, which lessened their worries about the transition. Today, Heidi is a family worker, which blends her love of supporting families with being in the classroom.

“I am thankful for Head Start for many reasons,” Heidi said. “One is for supporting me and my family when my child was part of the program and giving me the opportunity to help families like mine.”

Years later, Samantha received a Head Start Alumni Scholarship to continue her education. Now 21, she is in the 1-2-1 Nursing Dual Degree Program with King’s College and Luzerne County Community College. She even had the opportunity to catch up with Miss Pat when her class came to LCHS for observations.

“I want to thank Head Start for being an important part in my education journey and I would like to thank my teachers for their kindness and support,” Samantha said.

By Brooke Williams, Community Advocate

When Brooke first came to Luzerne County Head Start as a young mother, she was touched by the supportive and understanding staff. It was clear how much they cared for each family.

“They make every child feel special in their program,”  she said.

Brooke decided to enroll her daughters because they were struggling to learn basic skills. Both girls participated in the Early Head Start home visiting program for infants and toddlers before transitioning to a Head Start preschool classroom. 

Her 5-year-old daughter Olivia had speech issues when she first started with LCHS. Olivia went from not speaking at all to talking in full sentences and effectively communicating with others, thanks in part to support and referrals from LCHS. Though she still struggles with enunciation, she continues making progress toward her speech goals. 

Brooke’s older daughter Anastasia, who is now 10, showed behavioral issues during her time with LCHS. Staff helped Brooke address her daughter’s challenging behaviors and referred her to community resources. This led to Anastasia’s eventual diagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD.

LCHS also supported the family through a challenging time when they had no choice but to leave their current living situation. Staff assisted Brooke with finding stable housing and helped the family with everything they needed along the way.

Brooke said it’s bittersweet that Olivia will begin kindergarten is moving on to kindergarten, as the staff at LCHS have come to feel like part of their family. 

“I would recommend LCHS to other families with little children because I think kids need that structure and the help so they are better prepared for what’s to come when they start school,” she said.

By Brooke Williams, Community Advocate