Audubon Area Community Services marked a milestone in early childhood education Friday morning, hosting a celebration at Seven Hills Head Start to honor the national Head Start program’s 60th birthday.
The event featured guided tours, refreshments, student musical performances, and proclamations from local leaders, including Daviess County Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen and Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson. Community stakeholders, including local commissioners and Chamber of Commerce members, were also in attendance.
“Head Start’s 60th birthday is a testament to the enduring value of investing in our children’s future,” said Brandon Harley, CEO of Audubon Area Community Services. “By focusing on early childhood education, Head Start has helped to build stronger families and communities, fostering a generation of responsible and capable citizens.”
Faith Holley, outreach coordinator for Audubon Area, said the Head Start program has been instrumental in breaking the cycle of poverty by providing comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income families. The Seven Hills site is one of Audubon Area’s largest programs, serving about 180 children each year.
“Head Start has been a cornerstone of early childhood education, providing essential resources and support to ensure that every child can succeed. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children and our communities,” said Patrick Tierney, Local Area Manager at Seven Hills.
The national Head Start program officially turns 60 on May 18, but the celebration was held Friday in anticipation of the weekend. Harley said it was important to host the event in a way that engaged the community while showcasing the program’s impact.
“It was a really good program,” Harley said. “We had kids sing ‘Happy Birthday,’ and tours were given so parents, elected officials, and stakeholders could see firsthand the services we provide and how engaged our families and staff are.”
Founded in 1965, Head Start has grown into a nationwide initiative with a track record of long-term success. According to Holley, studies show that every dollar spent on Head Start yields a return of $7 to $9 in economic benefits, including reduced special education needs, lower crime rates, and increased future earnings. Holley also said the program strengthens families, supports working parents, and reduces reliance on social services.
Brad Wright, Director of Early Childhood Education, added, “Our commitment to providing comprehensive services to children and their families has never been stronger. This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and the resilience of the families we serve.”
Audubon Area Community Services has administered Head Start programming since its formation in 1975, following the merger of two predecessor agencies originally founded in 1966. Harley noted that Head Start services began in the region even before the formation of Audubon Area, with Owensboro’s Economic Opportunity Commission becoming the original Head Start grantee in 1967.
Today, Audubon Area serves nearly 1,800 children across 16 counties with a staff of 434. Harley said the organization’s wraparound model includes not just education, but also in-home family support, health screenings, and nutritional assistance — all aimed at preparing children for long-term academic and life success.
“We’re very proud to be a Head Start grantee,” Harley said. “We’re looking forward to providing Head Start services for another 50 years.”
For more information about Head Start or Audubon Area Community Services, contact Faith Holley at 270-686-1683 or [email protected].
