Updated 11/19/2012 02:06 PM
S.I. Head Start Program Reopens To Aid Sandy Victims
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A children's learning center on Staten Island reopened Monday to help local families affected by Sandy.
The new federal head start program opened up at the Barry Houses in Dongan Hills.
The facility will serve about 57 preschool kids -- many of them from the areas hit hardest by the storm.
"Coming to an environment like this where they're going to be cared for, nurtured. It's warm, it's happy, it's reassuring. This is a wonderful opportunity for them," said Fern Zager of Staten Island Mental Health Society.
"We're so happy that they're reopening this place cause I heard it's closed down. We got so happy because it helps all the parents out," said Najah Shehedah, a South Beach resident.
The program is run by the Staten Island Mental Health Society and has funding to operate until June.
The current funding will keep the program open through June.
Organizers say they know there's more work to be done after that and are currently looking for ways to get more funding to continue through the summer and possibly beyond.