I would not have been able to afford preschool for my children. My husband works full-time and at the time, I worked part-time (I am now full-time). I will forever be grateful that all three of my kids benefited from Head Start.

Being a single mom held its fair share of challenges. But if you add poverty to the mix, you have a recipe for low self-esteem. Government programs kept me afloat. I received welfare and the children were enrolled in Head Start. These programs were lifelines.

I truly believe that programs like Head Start and housing assistance can equip individuals and families with the education and resources that they need to become self-sufficient. I am a living testament to the positive impact of these programs.

Community Services Block Grant funds enabled Southwestern Community Services to promote healthy eating in Head Start classrooms.

The earned income tax credit helps single-mother Beverly pay her bills.

The Missouri Association for Community Action uses Community Services Block Grant funds to establish a community needs assessment web-based tool.

I received the Pell Grant. Truly, I would not be able to climb the ladder without it.

Head Start and education assistance helped Patricia and her children pursue post-secondary education.

On May 22, 2011 the town of Joplin, Missouri hit the national radar (literally!) when it experienced the devastating effects of a massive tornado that killed over 150 people and damaged or destroyed about 8,000 structures. The tornado demolished six of Joplin’s public schools, leaving 54% of Joplin's schoolchildren with no school to attend the following morning.