FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Tim Smith

Tuesday, January 11, 2005 366-8176

Bowling Outings Planned for Children as part of the Chautauqua County Head Start Male Involvement Program

DUNKIRK – The Chautauqua County Head Start Male Involvement Program has planned two bowling events for children enrolled in the Head Start program and the significant males in their lives. The events will take place on Saturday, January 22, 2005 from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Lakeview Lanes in Silver Creek and Fountain Bowl on Route 430 in Fluvanna. The outing includes the cost of bowling for the children and food.

Head Start Deputy Director Tim Smith said, “Our program is making the extra effort to enhance the involvement of fathers or significant males with their children. It’s clear, based on research, that positive male involvement contributes substantially to a child’s overall well-being.”

The Male Involvement Program is based on the principle that both mothers & fathers play an essential role in the healthy development of children. The overall mission is to “Promote positive, healthy relationships between significant males, the children enrolled in our Chautauqua County Head Start / Early Head Start Program, and their families.” The Male Involvement Program is governed by an 8-member Council made up of fathers/significant males with children enrolled in Head Start.

A grant from Cummins Engine for the Male Involvement program has greatly increased the ability to plan schedule appropriate, meaningful events.

For more information call Jeff Hartwell at 483-5776 or Chris Wdowiasz at 792-9715.

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