The bottom line: NEON needs help

By Chiquita Stephenson

NORWALK, Conn. – [NancyOnNorwalk asked NEON (Norwalk Economic Opportunity Now) Chief Operating Officer Chiquita Stephenson what the agency was hoping to gain by passing along the word of possible cuts to Connecticut’s Head Start program due to federal sequestration. This is her reply.]

NEON’s bottom line is keeping the community informed about what is taking place on the local, state and federal level so that as an agency we are prepared to strategize, organize and develop new options an opportunity so that children and families in our community will not be affected.

NEON’s bottom line is also to inform city government about the importance of the city being a partner with NEON and the Head Start Program.

Lastly, NEON’s bottom line and hope would be that corporations, businesses and foundations would become involved by sponsoring scholarships for children to attend school. The cost is $8,000 per pupil per year.

Our bottom line for the community if this happens is this: Families currently employed, paying rent, spending at the grocery stores, purchasing gas, contributing economically to grow our community’s economy, will stop due to the fact that the families will no longer have access to quality and safe childcare, they are no longer able to work.

Together We can Make A Difference!

NEON Chief Operating Officer Chiquita Stephenson