SOUTH-CENTRAL : Head Start Program Marks Anniversary

The Kedren Head Start Program started life as the smallest of the county’s participants in the federally funded program to counter the destructive effects of poverty on early education. In 1965, a handful of preschoolers toddled into history as they began classes in Kedren’s five scattered locations.

This week, as Kedren marks its 30th anniversary with banquets and awards ceremonies, the program has much to celebrate: 2,000 youngsters and their families now participate at 22 locations stretching from Watts to the San Fernando Valley.

Robert Owens, Kedren’s executive director since 1972, credits the growth of the program to the unwavering dedication of its staff, which numbers 326 and includes many parents whose children participated in the program.

“We know we have families out there that need the service and we go out and provide it,” Owens said.

Kedren and other Head Start facilities bring children of low-income households into a classroom setting four hours a day to learn fundamental math and reading, social skills and hygiene. Over time, Head Start has added sports, health care and meals to blunt the effects of hunger and illness, proven deterrents to learning.

Family participation has long been stressed; once a child is accepted, parents are encouraged to volunteer at least two hours a week in the classroom. Kedren runs 115 daily sessions in morning, afternoon and evening shifts.

As Kedren has grown in size, its mission has grown in scope as well.

Besides giving mothers and fathers an opportunity to help formulate class plans, parental involvement in the program places them in contact with Kedren’s referral network of social service programs throughout the county.

The agency also operates a Family Service Center at 710 E. 111th Place that provides educational and recreational activities for youngsters, adults and seniors.

The center offers adult continuing education, literacy and computer courses, career development, tutoring, after-school athletics and college preparatory classes. The center does not receive public funds. “We survive on faith and donations,” said Kedren’s resource manager, Kitty Davis.

Tonji Davis, a 28-year-old mother of two, credits the computer training she received last year at the Family Service Center with helping her secure a job at the U.S. Air Force Base in El Segundo.

Prior to the course, Davis said, she had unsuccessfully looked for a job for two years. “I was sending out resumes left and right, and they were all coming back (saying) ‘you need more skills.’ ”

She heard about Kedren’s computer class because her 3-year daughter, Torri, was enrolled at the agency’s Head Start program in Baldwin Hills.

“I know I wouldn’t have gotten that job without the computer skills I learned,” she said.

Kedren is celebrating its 30th anniversary this week with a benefit comedy show, movie premier and dinner-dance. All proceeds will go toward funding the family service center.

Information: (213) 299-9742.