The Citizens for Citizens Inc. (CFC) Head Start Program is currently enrolling children who are:

Three years old (by September, 2010) through age five, from families who meet income requirements.

The Head Start Program is a free child development program that provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition and social services. The primary goal of Head Start is to increase a child’s effectiveness in dealing with everyday life and later responsibilities in school and life. Head Start also provides many opportunities for parents to become involved in the program, and to improve their own education and employment potential. The Head Start Program welcomes children with disabilities and accepts Child Care vouchers. The CFC Head Start Program serves the city of Fall River, and the towns of Somerset, Swansea, Westport, Freetown, Dighton, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Berkley, and Lakeville.

If you wish to enroll your child in Head Start, please call 508-675-2151, Ext. 204. An appointment must be made with a Head Start family worker for an interview. The interview will discuss documentation of income, health concerns, developmental and social concerns, family history, and other relevant matters.

See our flyer for Head Start locations and additional information.

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On August 6, 2010, the Citizens for Citizens, Inc. WIC (Women, Infants & Children) Program, now in its 31st year of serving the Greater Taunton Area, began a 19th Annual Celebration of Parenthood. Liberty Union Park, in downtown Taunton, was the site for this activity, held in conjunction with World Breast Feeding Week.

The setting at Liberty Union Park resembled a Ringling Brothers Circus location. There were magic shows, face painting, balloons tethered to strings, and plenty of fun-filled games for the families who attended the celebration. An early part of the event found many of the children dancing to the music of DJ Al Martinez from Spinn Productions. Dancing and keeping fit was highlighted as being a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle.

Organizers of the Celebration of Parenthood program also made sure that vital nutrition information was disseminated to the gathering of WIC parents and other visitors to the park. Samples of the new WIC food packages, which emphasize whole grain bread, brown rice, canned fish and other healthy foods, were distributed.

Many children entered the park under the banner of the “Parade of Fruits,” with each child wearing a homemade hat covered with decorative paper images of fruit. The significance of the fruit was to remind the children and parents that they should eat proper amounts of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Several awards were presented at the event, in three categories:
Breastfeeding Awards:
Ms. Daidra Chaves
Ms. Tuany Machado
Ms. Ashley Aiello

Community Service Award:
Ms. Kathleen Doherty – Lactation Consultant

Foster Parent Award:
Ms. Ann McLean
Mr. Stephen O’Neill

Several elected officials were on hand to commemorate the occasion. An official commendation was submitted by State Representative James H. Fagan, and presented by his wife; Christine A. Fagan. Taunton Mayor Charles Crawley also was present for the festivities.

The WIC Program provides valuable nutrition and health education, healthy food, and other services free of charge to Massachusetts families who meet the qualification guidelines. To obtain more information on the WIC program and learn how to apply for assistance, please visit the Massachusetts WIC website. An overview of CFC’s participation in the WIC program for the past year can be read here [pdf].

The WIC Program eligibility is determined by household income to see if you qualify please check the income guidelines here.

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Free Family Fun! Friday August 6th at 10 am. in Liberty & Union Park on Main St. in Taunton. Rain location: Elks Lodge at 119 High St., Taunton. The 19th Annual Celebration of Parenthood will feature free refreshments, games, raffles, music, balloons, and a children’s parade of fruits and vegetables. Hosted by Citizens For Citizens Taunton Attleboro WIC Program, this event is part family party, part health and resource fair. Run in conjunction with World Breastfeeding Week, awards will be given for breastfeeding, as well as for parenting and community partners.

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