Gonzalez Announces Over $26 Mil in Grants to ‘Enhance Early Childhood Education Services’ for South Texas Families

Texas Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D) recently announced over $26 million in grants for Neighbors in Need of Services, Inc. (NINOS) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The grant will support the Head Start Projects, which are run by NINOS.

“This funding will significantly enhance early childhood education services for South Texas families,” said Rep. Gonzalez. “And it underscores our commitment to ensuring the developmental success of our young children. Families will now directly benefit from enhanced Head Start and Early Head Start services provided by NINOS.”

The Executive Director of NINOS, Inc., David Kowalski, thanked the congressman for his efforts in getting the grants. The grants came from HHS discretionary funding for FY2024, which Gonzalez helped pass.

“We are grateful to Congressman Gonzalez for his continued support. The funding awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services will enable us to continue providing Head Start and Early Head Start services to over 2,000 of the neediest families in Cameron and Willacy Counties,” said Kowalski.

NINOS, Inc. has a long history with the local Texas communities. The organization has been around since August 1990 and has continuously aimed to help children and families. NINOS offers services for “educational programs, nutritional guidance, dental health services, and special services tailored to children from birth through four years of age.”

NINOS, Inc. states that its mission is to create “a brighter future for the children and la familia.” They work to enhance the development of young children, promote healthy family functioning, provide for staff development and establish partners within the community.

Recently, Gonzalez issued a statement regarding the heavily criticized Texas immigration bill SB 4.

The status of the bill’s legality has gone back and forth over the last few days. In March, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito extended the preexisting ban on SB 4. However, the following day, the ban was lifted and the state was allowed to resume its proceedings. Later that same night, the federal appeals court halted the bill.

“This law does nothing to help our immigration system, our local law enforcement personnel, or Texans’ safety and wellbeing,” said Rep. Gonzalez.