ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (February 27, 2026) — Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is proud to announce that Project NOW Inc has been awarded $1,845,266 in federal funding through the US Department of Health and Human Services for Head Start programming in the Quad Cities. The grant will support early childhood education and services for children and families across the region.
“Head Start changes lives. This $1.8 million investment will help make sure children in the Quad Cities have access to early education, health-care, and the support they need to thrive,” said Congressman Sorensen.
“When we invest in our kids and support working families, we strengthen our entire community. I’m proud to advocate for programs like Head Start that give every child a fair shot from the very start.”
“On behalf of the children, families, and staff of Project NOW we extend our gratitude for the continual and effective advocacy of Congressman Sorensen. We consider ourselves fortunate to have a Congressman who is willing to come, visit, engage families, speak with staff, and even sit with children to learn firsthand the impact Head Start makes in the lives of our most valuable assets, which are our children,” said the Rev Dwight Ford, President/CEO. “Head Start is an American institution providing health assessments, nutritious meals, education, and socialization skills for low-income children while also providing support for the entire family. We consider this a continual down payment into the lives of families so they can experience the full promise of the American dream. It all starts with Head Start!”
Head Start programs provide early learning, health screenings, nutritious meals, and family support services to help children. The funding will help ensure families in the Quad Cities continue to have access to critical early childhood education and family services that lay the foundation for long-term success.
Congressman Eric Sorensen represents Illinois’ 17th District in the United States House of Representatives. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for more than twenty years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.
