East Coast Migrant Head Start Program celebrates 50 years

Legacy of Early Learning

ACCOMACK CO., Va. – A national program that has made a big difference in their local community is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The East Coast Migrant Head Start Project is known for its Legacy of Early Learning, where families of migrant or immigrant farm workers receive help with childcare. The Head Start Project accepts children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, and they take the time to educate, nurture, and empower them.

Rhonda Strand works closely with the project and says that this was started in 1974 and is still here, which says a lot about its impact on the Eastern Shore. “My motivation comes from my mom being a farmworker,” she says. “Me going in the fields in the morning to pick strawberries prior to going to school. So, I know what it’s like because I’ve done it myself. ”

Their 50-year anniversary celebration will take place Friday, September 13th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  at Sawmill Park. They will continue to help connect resources to farmwork families. If you need assistance, visit their website.