Newly installed Archbishop Timothy Dolan paid a visit to the Little Angels Head Start program to meet with the children and staff, and discuss the successes of the program.
On Monday, September 21, Archbishop Dolan met with the employees, board members, and children of the head start program located at St. Anthony’s Church at 1750 Mansion Street. The program is conducted mainly for Spanish-speaking immigrant populations through Cardinal McCloskey Services.
Dolan enjoyed performances from the children, who sang songs of welcome in both English and Spanish.
“We are so grateful and blessed to be able to serve the children and families of St. Anthony’s and all our Little Angles Head Start Programs,” said Cardinal McCloskey Services’ president and CEO Beth Finnerty. “We extend our sincere gratitude to His Excellency, Archbishop Dolan, for gracing us with a visit as an acknowledgement of Cardinal McCloskey Services and all it does to continue the tradition of Catholic Charities.”
From a special seat – a chair covered with light blue crepe paper – Dolan was told about the head start program that helps three-year-olds and four-year-olds get ahead in academic coursework and social interactions with others their age.
“Our Little Angels Head Start Program serves families that in desperate need of help, support, and protection, that they are otherwise unable to access,” said executive director of Head Start Laura Silver. “Our program provides a ‘head start’ for our families in accessing health services, good nutrition through breakfast, lunch, and snack program and family counseling.”
Cardinal McCloskey Services provides head start programs at 14 centers with 61 classrooms, serving 1,400 children in the Archdiocese of New York.
