Tampa-based Lutheran Services of Florida has been awarded an $18 million grant to manage Duval County’s Head Start programs for low-income families and children.
The five-year grant was awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services and will serve more than 1,400 children in the Head Start program and more than 300 in the Early Head Start initiative.
The grant period begins today, with the organization — also known as LSF — expecting to be fully operational by June 1.
The organization is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to helping people regardless of religious affiliation, age or national origin. It will work closely with Community Development Institute Head Start, the interim organization, and other community partners to ensure a smooth transition. Last year, the federal government terminated the program’s contract with the Jacksonville Urban League because of child safety concerns.
“We are eager to begin work with the Head Start programs in Duval County. LSF has significant experience in managing Head Start programs and providing services to children and families,” said Samuel Sipes, LSF president and CEO. “We look forward to working with community leaders and community partners to ensure the children and families who use these services are the real beneficiaries.”
The organization is a Head Start grantee in Pinellas County and Belle Glade, along with being a delegate agency in Hillsborough County.
As part of the $18 million grant, $3.5 million is a non-federal share that is a portion of the total program costs the grantee agency provided through in-kind donations and cash-matches from third parties.