October is Head Start Awareness Month, a time to recognize the children, families and staff who make Head Start such an important part of communities across the nation. For more than 60 years, Head Start providers like Luzerne County Head Start have helped children build a foundation for school and life while supporting parents and families along the way.

LCHS invited local, state and federal elected officials to join this nationwide celebration throughout the month of October by reading stories to Head Start children in Luzerne and Wyoming counties.

Congressman Dan Meuser

Special guests included Congressman Dan Meuser, who read “The Great Cookie Kerfuffle” to a Head Start class and met with the agency’s executive team. They discussed the vital role Head Start plays in building strong futures for children while supporting working families. Congressman Meuser had the opportunity to hear from a former Head Start parent on the LCHS staff about her experiences with the program and how it helps families move toward a more stable and independent future.

They also talked about the importance of continued federal funding for Head Start, as well as the proposed changes to the regulations that govern Head Start programs. LCHS leaders shared the opinion that any revisions to the Head Start Performance Standards should strengthen the ability of programs to meet the unique needs of their communities, not create barriers to essential services.

Additionally, LCHS arranged visits with state officials and city mayors to read stories to children in the areas they represent and meet with LCHS leadership.

Sen. Dave Argall

Rep. Dane Watro

By Brooke Williams, Community Advocate

As a little boy, Jeremiah struggled to express himself through speech.  

With support from Luzerne County Head Start, he underwent speech therapy, socialized with other children his age and slowly gained the skills and confidence he needed to communicate. 

Today, he’s 10 years old and in fifth grade, and his speech is clear.

“These services showed me that Head Start cares about more than just what happens inside the classroom,” said his mother, Anjelica. “The program understands that families may need different types of support and works to help them in whatever ways possible.” 

Meanwhile, a simple job search had changed the trajectory of Anjelica’s life, putting her on the path to becoming an early childhood educator. 

“Head Start helped my son find his voice, and in a way, it helped me find my purpose,” she said. 

Anjelica enrolled Jeremiah in Early Head Start home services when he was a toddler. Then, he transitioned into a Head Start classroom. She recalled how Jeremiah would come home from school, eager to share the day’s lessons with her. She was especially proud of him for learning how to write his letters and full name.

Being an only child, Head Start provided opportunities for Jeremiah to interact with other children his age. This, along with receiving services through Early Intervention, significantly helped his speech development. He also formed a special bond with his teacher, Ms. Sarah.

“As a parent, I wanted my son to be somewhere he would feel safe, loved, supported and excited to learn,” Anjelica said. “Head Start provided all of that and so much more.”

All the while, Anjelica was gaining confidence as a parent and learning how to advocate for her son. She came to understand how important the early years are in a child’s life – a lesson she carries with her now as a Head Start teacher. 

One of Anjelica’s goals in Early Head Start was to find a job, and she heard LCHS was hiring. A few months into working as a classroom aide, Anjelica knew that she wanted to become a teacher. She loved helping students learn, reach milestones and build their self-confidence. 

She completed her Child Development Associate credential within the first year and was promoted to assistant teacher the following year. Then, she earned her associate degree in early childhood education and moved up to lead teacher. Now, she’s one semester away from finishing her bachelor’s degree. 

“Being both a former Head Start parent and now a Head Start teacher gives me a different perspective. I understand what families are feeling because I was once in their position,” Anjelica said. “I know how much it means to have a teacher who genuinely cares about your child and celebrates their accomplishments. The best part of my job is knowing that I can make a difference in a child’s life, even through the smallest moments.”

Anjelica said Head Start is more than a place for children to learn their letters, numbers and shapes. Designed to focus on the whole family, the program offers comprehensive support to parents and caregivers that can impact their lives in varied ways. It takes the strengths, needs and experiences of each child and their family into account and meets them where they are. 

“I have seen the difference Head Start made in my son’s life, and now I get to be part of making that same difference for other children,” she said. “That is something I will always be proud of.”

By Brooke Williams, Community Advocate

When Cady enrolled her children in Luzerne County Head Start, she was seeking an early learning program that would prepare them for kindergarten while supporting their development.  

“Head Start has been a great experience for me and my children,” she said. “It has helped my children learn and grow while giving me peace of mind knowing they are getting the support they need.”

Her 4-year-old was struggling with severe behavioral issues when he started preschool, and she hoped that being around other children his age would improve his behavior and social skills. A behavioral health technician was assigned to support his needs in the classroom. In time, he was doing so well that his BHT and the Head Start staff agreed these extra services were no longer needed.

“Seeing his progress has meant so much to me as a mom,” Cady said.

Head Start also helped ease the transition to kindergarten for her 5-year-old, giving him the experience and tools he needed to thrive in elementary school.

Throughout the family’s Head Start experience, Cady has taken comfort in knowing her children are being cared for in a safe, supportive environment. She is also a member of the Policy Council, an elected group of parents and caregivers who meet monthly and provide input on Luzerne County Head Start services. Cady said participating in the Policy Council allows her to share opinions, get more involved in the program and make a difference for other families.

Seeing the outcomes for her own children, Cady said she would recommend Head Start to other families because it helps children build social skills, learn and prepare for kindergarten. It has made a significant mark on their lives as a family, she said.  

“I’m just very thankful for everything Head Start has done for my children and our family. The staff have made a real difference in my children’s lives, and I’m grateful for the support, patience and opportunities they provide,” she said. “I hope other families get to experience the same positive impact we have.”

By Brooke Williams, Community Advocate

Sarah found support at Luzerne County Head Start during a major transitional period for her family. 

She and her son, Brentley, had just moved back to the area from Texas. They were temporarily staying with Sarah’s mother as Sarah worked on finding a place of their own. During this time of uncertainty, Sarah decided to enroll Brentley in Head Start. 

“I knew my child needed stability, routine and opportunities to socialize in a safe, nurturing and supportive learning environment,” Sarah said. “Head Start provided exactly that.”

Sarah formed a special bond with her family worker, Heidi. Knowing Sarah had just relocated and was essentially starting from scratch, Heidi immediately connected her with services like WIC. When Sarah wasn’t sure if she could afford Christmas presents for Brentley, Heidi also arranged for a community partner to cover his wish list. 

“Beyond connecting me to essential resources, Heidi became a source of emotional support during one of the most difficult transitions of my life,” Sarah said. “In many ways, she was my ‘therapist,’ always there to listen, encourage me and help me navigate everything I was going through.”

Sarah said Brentley thrived in Head Start and loved Ms. Heidi, as well as his teachers, Ms. Kim and Ms. Lisa. Head Start played an important role in his early development, and by the end, he was prepared to take the next step to kindergarten.

For Sarah, the experience with her family worker was life changing. Inspired to become a social worker herself, Sarah earned her associate degree, then her bachelor’s degree. As soon as she graduated, she knew she was meant to work at LCHS. 

“I applied to become a family worker, just as Heidi had been, with the hope of supporting and positively impacting the lives of others in the same way she had impacted mine,” she said. 

Sarah was later promoted to family engagement specialist, where she continues making a difference while supporting the program’s family workers. She appreciates how Head Start values the voices and experiences of both current and former parents. The two-generation approach is one of the factors that sets Head Start apart from other programs and makes it meaningful and impactful for families, Sarah said. 

“What makes Head Start truly special is that the focus extends beyond the children,” she said. “The program recognizes the importance of supporting the entire family and connecting parents and caregivers with resources and opportunities that can help improve their lives.”

By Brooke Williams, Community Advocate

As a Head Start student, Lillian admired her teachers so much that she would come home and pretend to be one herself while playing school.

When the time came to seriously consider her future career options, she reflected on all the teachers who had made an impact throughout her life. This included the staff at Luzerne County Head Start’s Plains Center, who she credits with giving her educational journey a strong beginning. Head Start provided a place where Lillian felt supported and excited to learn, while also offering her family the resources they needed to succeed.

Wanting to make a difference in the same way, Lillian decided to pursue an associate degree in early childhood education – even earning a Head Start Alumni Scholarship and returning to LCHS to complete her student teaching requirements. Now, she’s back where it all began, serving as an associate teacher in the LCHS Pittston New Street Center while working toward her bachelor’s degree.

“I know that some of the children who walk into my classroom may be facing circumstances similar to what my own family experienced, and I want them to know that their circumstances do not determine where they can go in life,” she said. “Being able to give back to a program that gave so much to me and my family is something I am incredibly grateful for, and I hope I can be the kind of teacher that my Head Start teachers were for me.”

Lillian’s family enrolled her and her sister in Head Start because they wanted to make sure their children were ready for school. The family was low income at the time and expecting another child.

Ms. Robin and Ms. Theresa, as well as the classroom’s Foster Grandma Cookie, always found ways to make the school day exciting. Lillian can still clearly picture good times like their field trip to Hillside Farms, or when her teachers transformed their classroom into a campsite. The program also provided assistance for Lillian’s family, including gifts during the holiday season.

“Looking back now, I realize that Head Start wasn’t just there to prepare me academically and socially for school,” Lillian said. “The program also supported my whole family during a time when that extra help really mattered.”

Lillian finds joy in working with Head Start children and seeing the wonder and beauty of the world through their eyes. She said it’s been surreal to return to Head Start and experience the classroom from the other side. In many ways, the room is still set up the way she remembers it, which makes coming back feel like even more of a full-circle experience.

“The best part of my job is simply seeing the children smile, learn and have fun. I love watching a child get excited because they learned how to write a letter, or seeing a group of children playing family together in the dramatic play center,” she said. “Those moments might seem small, but they are some of the most rewarding parts of teaching. Seeing their excitement and knowing that I get to be a part of these early experiences really does make my day.”

By Brooke Williams, Community Advocate

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

Luzerne County Head Start is inviting businesses and educational institutions to take part in its Roadmap for Progress event on Friday, Oct. 9. 

Through Roadmap for Progress, Head Start is giving its current and past parents the chance to explore career and educational advancement opportunities in one place. Community partners are encouraged to share information on job openings, higher education programs and related resources that are available locally. 

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the agency’s Lynn Evans Biga Center, 23 Beekman St., Wilkes-Barre. Setup will begin at 9:30 a.m. Those participating are asked to bring their own tables, chairs and tents. 

The deadline to register is Friday, Oct. 2. For more information, contact Kati Autolitano at katia@hsweb.org or Kelly Lyons at kellyl@hsweb.org. 

By Brooke Williams, Community Advocate

Supporters of Luzerne County Head Start gathered on May 18 to celebrate the agency’s enduring commitment to the community’s children and families. LCHS presented more than $20,000 in college scholarships to Head Start alumni and honored five community partners with awards. Staff, bus drivers and board members were also recognized for their years of service to the organization.

Geisinger Health Plan was the event’s exclusive Diamond-level sponsor for the third year in a row. Special guests included State Representatives Brenda Pugh, Eddie Day Pashinski and Alec Ryncavage.

Alumni Scholarship Program

Funded by businesses, organizations and individuals in the community, the LCHS Alumni Scholarship Program honors the achievements of former Head Start students set to graduate from high school and continue their education. LCHS awarded $20,775 in scholarships to 13 seniors from Luzerne and Wyoming counties, bringing the total to $401,725 since the program’s inception 40 years ago. This year’s scholarship recipients were:

Destiny Gittens, Wyoming Area Secondary Center: $3,000 Fran Williams Memorial Scholarship

Aiden Grula, Pittston Area High School: $2,500 Mary & Tom Sewatsky Family Scholarship

Nicole Castillo, Wilkes-Barre Area High School: $2,000 Benco Family Foundation Scholarship

Yahir Contreras, Wilkes-Barre Area High School: $2,000 Tomalis-Gatusky Family Scholarship

Ariel Chu, Wyoming Valley West High School: $2,000 Cross Valley Federal Credit Union Scholarship

Christian Stevens, Tunkhannock Area High School: $1,500 Eugene Hogan Memorial Scholarship

Laila Grayson, Pittston Area High School: $1,500 United Way of Wyoming Valley Scholarship

Jamie Wilczewski, Wyoming Valley West High School: $775 LCHS Board of Directors Lena Taylor Memorial Scholarship and $500 Church of Christ Uniting Scholarship

Angel Sandoval, Hazleton Area High School: $1,000 PNC Bank Scholarship

Kody Cox, West Side Career & Technology Center: $1,000 George & Ann Evans Memorial Scholarship

Briana Medina, Wilkes-Barre Area High School: $1,000 Luzerne County Bar Association Charitable Foundation Scholarship

Joel Tapia, Wilkes-Barre Area High School: $500 LCHS Policy Council Claudia O’Boyle Memorial Scholarship and $500 Delaney Family Scholarship

Justin Sosa Garcia, Wilkes-Barre Area High School: $500 Coombs Family Memorial Scholarship and $500 Pittston Tomato Festival Committee Scholarship

Heart of the Community Award

United Way of Wyoming Valley accepted the inaugural Heart of the Community Award, which is presented to an organization that serves as a vital and unifying force within the community. It recognizes those whose compassion, dedication and service bring people together while helping to build a stronger, more connected and caring community. 

The longstanding partnership between LCHS and United Way is rooted in a shared commitment to supporting and uplifting the community’s most vulnerable children and families. United Way supports families in the Early Head Start home visiting program, helping to ensure infants and toddlers receive critical early support for healthy growth and development. They also sponsor Jump Start, a summer learning program that gives first-time Head Start children early access to the program. Last summer, the program faced possible cancellation due to a lack of funding. Thanks to United Way’s support, Jump Start continued, providing children most in need with the opportunities to build confidence, strengthen early learning skills and prepare for a successful school year. 

Their commitment to the Head Start mission and the Wyoming Valley extends far beyond funding. From donating books and kindergarten readiness kits to organizing volunteers through the Day of Caring, United Way continually strengthens the community. LCHS is grateful for United Way’s dedication to the children and families of Head Start and beyond.

Head Start Hero Award

LCHS recognized Fork Over Love with the Head Start Hero Award, which is presented to a community partner that has gone above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of the agency’s children and families. They embody the mission of Head Start by supporting collaborative efforts that integrate connections between families and their communities. 

Promoting nutrition and ensuring families are well fed is a key part of the Head Start mission, and Fork Over Love has been instrumental in these efforts through their innovative and compassionate approach to food insecurity. By delivering chef-made meals through partnerships with early education and childcare centers, family and health service centers, and low-income neighborhoods, they meet families where they are and ensure nutritious meals are accessible in meaningful and dignified ways. 

Fork Over Love provides 475 meals each month to LCHS families in Wilkes-Barre, Edwardsville, Hazleton and Nanticoke and last year distributed 600 meals during the agency’s summer Health & Wellness Fairs. Their work not only addresses immediate needs, but also strengthens families and communities by reducing barriers to healthy food access and supporting the health and well being of those facing economic hardship. 

The care, compassion and coordination behind each meal distribution reflect Fork Over Love’s commitment to serving others. LCHS is grateful to Fork Over Love, along with its volunteers and partner restaurants, for the positive impact they continue to make.

Outstanding Community Partners

The Outstanding Community Partner Award was created to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations that have made meaningful contributions to LCHS and the families it serves.

This year, the agency recognized three community partners that have gone above and beyond in supporting the Head Start mission. They embody dedication, generosity and advocacy for children and families, and LCHS is proud to call them not only partners, but also friends. Their continued support and willingness to step in and help make a lasting impact. This year’s Outstanding Community Partners were:

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Dallas

Core-Mark

Luzerne County Community College’s Social & Behavioral Sciences Department

Anniversary Awards

LCHS also recognized 24 employees, bus drivers and board members for their years of service to the agency. This year’s honorees were:

 35 YEARS 

Fran Scarantino: Family Worker, Lynn Evans Biga Center

25 YEARS

Patricia Buerger: Associate Teacher, Lynn Evans Biga Center

Jodi Cunningham: Teacher, Back Mountain Center

20 YEARS 

Mirian Lozano: Family Worker, Carson Street/Vine West Centers

10 YEARS

Kelly Gill: Associate Teacher, Back Mountain Center

Miriam Latalladi: Teacher, Lynn Evans Biga Center

Ruth Pena: Teacher, Hazleton Integration Center

Dawn Smith: Assistant Executive Director, Central Office

Beth White: Executive Director, Central Office

5 YEARS

Dale Fedak: Nutrition Aide, Edwardsville Center

Jesselyn Fernandez: Family Educator, Hazleton Early Head Start

Clarissa Gulich: Teacher, Plymouth New Street Center

Kaylie Kmitch: Associate Teacher, Lynn Evans Biga Center

Emily Kyllonen: Family Worker, Back Mountain Center

Yakaira Martinez: Classroom Aide, Edwardsville Center

Ashley McAndrew: Family Educator, Wilkes-Barre Early Head Start

Amy Poperowitz: Family Worker, Lynn Evans Biga Center

Annette Smith: Associate Teacher, Pittston New Street Center

Sarah Thomas: Teacher, Pittston New Street Center

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS 

15 YEARS

Lisa Granahan: Edwardsville/New Street Centers

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

10 YEARS

Stacey Kile

Mike Tomalis

5 YEARS

Andrea Caladie

5 Years

10 Years

15 Years

20 Years

25 Years

By Brooke Williams, Community Advocate

Photos by Michael Straub Photography