Congressman Gonzalez Announces $20.5 Million Federal Grant for NINOS Head Start, Recommits to Defending Head Start from Threat of Devastating Cuts

RIO HONDO, TEXAS — Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced $20,539,148 in federal funding to Neighbors in Need of Services, Inc. (NINOS) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support their Head Start Projects. The award comes from HHS discretionary funding for Fiscal Year 2025, which Congressman Gonzalez voted to pass.

“This funding will significantly enhance early childhood education services for families in Cameron and Willacy Counties,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “While the future of Head Start remains at the mercy of the Trump Administration, rest assured that I will continue to fight for these vital services for the betterment and success of our youth.”

“We sincerely thank Congressman Gonzalez and the Department of Health and Human Services for their continued investment in the children and families of South Texas. This year’s grant allows us to build on our long-standing commitment to providing comprehensive Head Start and Early Head Start services to over 2,000 families in Cameron and Willacy Counties,” said David Kowalski, Executive Director of NINOS, Inc.

Since 1990, NINOS, Inc., has offered educational programs, nutritional guidance, dental health services, and special services tailored to children from birth through four years of age to children and families in Cameron and Willacy Counties. The funding announced today will allow NINOS to continue its important work in early childhood development.

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