[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING BOLIVAR COUNTY HEAD START

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2012

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Bolivar County Head Start Program (BCHSP) which began as an affiliate 
program under the umbrella of the Bolivar County Community Action 
Agency, Inc. The program was chartered on June 16, 1965 by the State of 
Mississippi under Governor Paul B. Johnson. Bolivar County Head Start 
Program is a non-profit corporation organized for the purpose of 
eliminating poverty and the causes thereof in Bolivar County, 
Mississippi.
  The Association of Communities of Bolivar County began its operations 
the summer of 1965 and enrolled 1,308 children in seventeen centers. At 
its inception, the Bolivar County Head Start Program was housed in 
multiple buildings and churches. It began its operations the summer of 
1966 with an enrollment of 1,550 children served in eight centers 
located throughout the county. Unfortunately, they have had to reduce 
the number of sites over the years due to inadequate funding.
  Most recently, Bolivar County Head Start Program has made tremendous 
strides in its development. After years of record growth the Bolivar 
County Head Start Program was able to transition out of make shift 
facilities such as churches and old homes to mobile units stationed 
throughout the county. Thanks to funding from several sources they were 
able to build three state of the art head start centers in the 
communities of Rosedale, Shaw and Mound Bayou. In 2012 they added the 
Early Head Start Program for children 0-3 years of age and expectant 
mothers, increasing their total enrollment to 890 children.
  It has been through strong leadership that the agency has been 
recognized not only throughout the State of Mississippi, but also 
nationwide for its performance and service provided to children, 
families and communities. Mr. Amzie Moore was the first Head Start 
Director under the Association of Communities of Bolivar County; Mr. 
Dick Gurnie, the first Executive Director and later Mr. Billy J. McCain 
was both Head Start Director and Executive Director. After Mr. McCain's 
untimely departure in 2009, the charge was passed on to Mr. Adolph 
Hilliard to continue the agency legacy. Shortly afterwards, Mr. 
Hilliard retired, Mrs. Elnora Littleton was appointed the interim 
Executive Director. Mrs. Littleton is currently serving as the first 
African American female to head the Bolivar County Head Start Program.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
Bolivar County Head Start for its outstanding commitment to improving 
the lives of children and families throughout Bolivar County, 
Mississippi.