Head Start is the national commitment to give every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, an opportunity to succeed in school and in life. In the 55 years since its inception, Head Start has improved the lives of more than 37 million children and their families. Head Start alumni, or “Head Start babies,” as they often call themselves—are in all walks of the nation’s life.

COVID-19 has prevented many families from participating in activities they might normally be doing during these sunshiny spring days. It has however, provided the opportunity to be creative with how time is utilized. Ryan and Becky O’Hare’s family recently spent an afternoon picking up trash in the ditches near their home southeast of Gothenburg. They challenged two other familes to do the same which led to a “snowballeffect”, alsobecoming known as the O’Hare Pandemic Challenge. Families continue to challenge other familes to choose an area of the community and clean it up. Time may not be being spent how it’d been planned, but familes are having fun connecting while cleaning!

For many, being able to give back to their corner of the world might not always consist of a dollar sign, but rather a time stamp. This is especially true for Erika Richards, and her eight year old son, Garret. “I can give back in a way that works for us, that will bless others,” stated Erika.

Friends, classmates and family honored one of their own on Friday evening, April 10 to celebrate the life of Gauge Soller who passed away on Monday, April 6th. After uniting in a prayer led by Scott Foster the tribe paraded in the streets of Gothenburg with their vehicles decked out with balloons, streamers, encouraging words and flags. Gauge’s friends always looked forward to riding around with their buddy be it to head out hunting, fishing or just to talk about life.