Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is grappling with a nearly $1 million reduction in federal Head Start funding, a cut representing about a third of the agency's Head Start budget.

Head Start accounts for more than half of the agency's overall operating budget, meaning the reduction's impact extends beyond a single program, according to the agency.

"While this funding reduction is occurring within the Head Start program, it is important to understand that no challenge affects only one area of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee," said Renee Hungerford, executive director/CEO. "We operate as one agency, and changes of this magnitude create ripple effects across our organization."

Administrative funding tied to federal grants is also affected proportionally, adding further financial implications the agency said it must carefully evaluate.

The reduction stems primarily from enrollment challenges affecting Head Start programs nationally. Locally, the agency has found it increasingly difficult to maintain full enrollment as more families fall into the benefits cliff, earning too much to qualify for Head Start while still struggling to afford childcare and other basic necessities. Many of those families are minimum wage earners.

At the same time, the expansion of Universal Pre-K programs offering transportation has become the more practical option for many families. The agency's current funding structure makes it increasingly difficult to sustain the cost of busing, creating an additional obstacle to serving families who need reliable transportation.

"Our families are making the best decisions they can for their children," Hungerford said. "When transportation is provided through another program, parents often have little choice but to enroll there. Unfortunately, the current funding model does not adequately account for the rising costs of transportation, facilities, insurance, supplies, and utilities, making it increasingly difficult to sustain services while remaining competitive with other early childhood programs."

Hungerford emphasized that the decline in enrollment and the resulting funding cut are not a reflection of program performance or community need.

"The reality is that Head Start remains critically important in our community," Hungerford said. "The challenge is that eligibility rules and economic realities have changed. Many working families no longer qualify even though they continue to struggle financially. At the same time, transportation has become an increasingly important factor in parents' choice of early childhood programs."

Hungerford also noted that Head Start provides far more than preschool services.

"Head Start is much more than Pre-K," she said. "It is a comprehensive child and family development program. We provide education, health screenings, dental referrals, family support services, and resources that help parents achieve greater stability and independence. The impact extends well beyond the classroom."

During Program Year 2025-2026, the agency's Head Start program reported the following outcomes:

32% of preschool children successfully transitioned to kindergarten with improved school readiness skills, while another 42% will return for a second year of Head Start services to continue their development.
100% of enrolled children received preventive health screenings.
76 children were brought up to date on age-appropriate immunizations through coordination with healthcare providers.
49% of Head Start children received dental examinations and follow-up care in a region where access to pediatric dental services remains extremely limited.
80% of families participated in family engagement activities.
100% of families established and made progress toward family partnership goals related to employment, education, parenting, school readiness, housing stability, or financial well-being.

The agency noted that federal funding reductions are typically calculated using a per-child formula that does not adequately account for fixed costs that continue regardless of enrollment, including facilities, transportation, utilities, insurance, regulatory compliance and educational materials. As a result, the financial impact of enrollment-based funding reductions often exceeds what the formula suggests.

The agency's leadership team is reviewing all available options and advocating for ways to lessen the impact of the reduction. Hungerford has begun reaching out to federal, state and local elected officials for assistance in protecting services that benefit children, families and communities throughout the region.

"This funding reduction affects far more than our organization," Hungerford said. "It impacts the children we educate, the families we support, and the communities our elected officials serve. I am asking our federal, state, and local leaders to work with us to protect these vital resources for their constituents and help ensure that vulnerable families do not bear the burden of these cuts."

Hungerford also expressed gratitude for support already received from local leaders.

"We are thankful to Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson for her support of our advocacy efforts and her recognition of the importance of preserving these resources for our community," Hungerford said. "Strong partnerships with local elected officials are critical as we work together to protect services that benefit children, families, and vulnerable residents throughout Orleans County and Genesee County."

The agency is conducting a thorough assessment of the financial and operational implications while pursuing every available avenue to preserve funding and minimize impacts on employees, services and the families who depend on its programs.

"These are difficult conversations, and we recognize the uncertainty they create for our staff, our families, and our community partners," Hungerford said. "Our commitment is to approach every decision thoughtfully, strategically, and with the long-term sustainability of the agency in mind."

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available and decisions are made.

Despite the challenge, the agency remains focused on its mission of helping local residents overcome barriers and achieve self-sufficiency.

"Community Action has weathered challenges before, and what has always carried us forward is the strength of our people," Hungerford said. "Every day, our staff make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, and individuals across our communities. We remain committed to serving those who depend on us."

The Batavian - Local Matters

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