Johnny Grew

It is disheartening to be told that Head Start, the federal early-education program for children from low-income families, is facing spending budget cuts while Congress trims spending to lessen the nation’s deficit in order to cater to President Obama’s 2011 budget request of $8.2 billion. The New York Times indicates that even if with such cuts, the deficit gaps will hardly ever be closed.

The fact that Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, is receiving an award for her long-time assistance for Head Start makes things more depressing. And people like Rocco Basile, chairman of the board of Brooklyn, New York-based charity known as Children of the City, is also soon to get an award for promoting the educational needs and fighting the social challenges of underprivileged youngsters in Brooklyn communities.

One of the most studied early education programs since its creation in 1965 Head Start had a mission of getting preschool education and some forms of health care for 3- and 4-year-olds while their parents work or go to school, the program has long been a favorite of advocates for the poor and children.

Research show that children who complete the Head start program, do better socially as well as academically than children not enrolled in the program. The kids also generally have reduced high school dropout rates.

But the initial test score positive aspects tend to fade out by the time students hit the first grade, therefore one reason the program may experience budget cuts.

In the same manner, Children of the City has demonstrated terrific results serving the underprivileged children in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The organization’s flourishing After School program model has been utilized by other agencies throughout New York City. The expertise of Children of the City, additionally, has integrated areas in life skills training, financial and career guidance, counseling and mentorship not to mention, educational support.

In September 2010 Rocco Basile was honored by District Attorney Charles J. Hynes, for his determined attempts in helping the work of Children of the City. He has exemplified what a person can do when given a second chance in life – second chances are scarce in this lifetime.

Rocco Basile will be honored once more on April 28, 2011 at the 3rd Annual Dinner Gala benefiting Children of the City – but this time as “Man of the Year.”