Natural disasters often inflict damage, devastation and suffering that is beyond the imagination.

  Human nature often responds with a sleeves rolled up, helping hands approach that is beyond inspiration.

  In the wake of Hurricane Maria that so devastated Puerto Rico, the New Jersey Head Start Association (NJHSA) worked with the Region II Office of Head Start to identify residents’ most pressing needs and to also identify Head Start programs on the battered island that were ready to receive donations.

  Some Head Start programs in Puerto Rico have been able to reopen fully. Others, due to wind and water damage, are still struggling to meet the needs of the children, families and staff. These programs are in need of basics, from flashlights to water purification, from diapers to hygiene products, and much more.

  Thus far, assistance has been provided to the Municipality of Utuado Head Start and Youth Services Head Start/ Early Head Start programs.

  The NJHSA, capably led by state president Bonnie Eggenburg, CCAP, who is Vice President for Head Start at Gateway Community Action Partnership, is working to coordinate statewide help for on-going relief efforts for fellow Region II programs on the island.

  As a first step in what the association promises to be a long-term commitment to the recovery, a donation of $5,000 was made in November.

  “While this donation can only make a dent in the needs of the Head Start programs, we are hopeful that more programs and businesses will reach into their pockets to assist the recovery effort in Puerto Rico,’ Eggenburg said.

  Eggenburg will continue to enlist the resources from communities statewide as well as continue to involve Head Start program staff and Policy Council throughout the state in the on-going efforts.

  The hurricane’s devastation was swift and severe. The road to recovery will likely be long and at times, difficult. New Jersey’s Head Start Association will be there providing help, hope and inspiration.