Gary families, Indiana government officials push to protect Geminus Head Start program after temporary federal funding freeze

GARY, Ind. (WLS) — A federal freeze to Head Start programs disrupted the lives of local families that depend on them.

Now that the funding has resumed, some parents in Northwest Indiana want to make sure it remains.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

This year, a local family has noticed a significant improvement in 4-year-old Chase, who previously faced developmental delays. Chase’s mother shared with ABC7 the positive impact St. Mark’s Head Start has had on him.

Recently, local dignitaries paid a visit to the Gary, Indiana program, raising concerns about the future of this national initiative. The program, which has benefitted over 38 million children and families in its 60-year history, faces uncertainty moving forward.

“When parents lack reliable childcare while balancing work responsibilities, it creates a significant challenge. They may find themselves asking, ‘How can I work effectively while ensuring my child is well cared for?’ This dilemma ultimately results in fewer individuals contributing to the workforce,” expressed Congressman Frank Mrvan.

A federal freeze in funding by the Trump administration temporarily disrupted some of the Head Start programs. The new administration explained funding was frozen to evaluate if money was being spent on programs in alignment with its goals.

RELATED | Judge finds Trump administration hasn’t fully followed his order to unfreeze federal spending

St. Mark’s is part of Geminus Head Start, which was able to keep their doors open during the funding freeze.

“That’s always the ongoing concern are we going to see changes are we going to have disruptions to the funding source,” said William Trowbridge with Geminus Head Start.

The Geminus staff and Congressman Mrvan point to the successes of Head Start students, who are better prepared for Kindergarten and beyond.

Some Head Start parents told ABC7 the program has been vital to their families and to their children’s futures.

“It’s given me and him both tools to be able to function better together and alone,” parent Dillion Lehman said.

Parents ABC7 spoke with hope lawmakers in Washington D.C. will prioritize this program and maintain funding.

“Helping the parents and the kids so we can effectively parent our children it helps build community because now you have all of these parents that are thriving within the same community,” parent Jessica Fullilove said.

More information about Geminus Head Start can be found here.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
'Project Runway' Season 20 returns July 31 with Heidi Klum, Law Roach & 12 designers competing

“Get ready for ‘Project Runway’ Season 20 featuring Heidi Klum, Law Roach, and 12 talented designers – premieres on July 31!”

The fashion competition returns with Heidi Klum, Law Roach, and more of…
Teenager taken off ventilator in 'giant milestone' after falling 120ft on Mount Whitney while hallucinating

Teenager reaches significant milestone as ventilator removed following 120ft fall on Mount Whitney due to hallucination

A 14-year-old boy seems to be recovering well after surviving a fall…
Charles Leto, lifeguard charged in Douglass Park, Chicago shooting of Marjay Dotson, Jeremy Herred, resigns: Chicago Park District

“Lifeguard Charged in Douglass Park Shooting Resigns from Chicago Park District”

In CHICAGO (WLS), the Chicago Park District has initiated an inquiry following…
Watch: Scott Jennings Levels Paul Begala in Throw Down Over OBBB

Video: Scott Jennings Debates with Paul Begala on OBBB

Democrats (and, sadly, a few Republicans on the Senate side) have thrown…
Journalist arrested while covering anti-Trump protest granted bail amid deportation battle

Bail Granted to Journalist Arrested at Anti-Trump Protest amid Deportation Battle

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A Georgia immigration judge…
Supermarket heir, 62, dies of 'natural causes' at stunning $1.3m mansion

62-year-old supermarket heir passes away from natural causes at luxurious $1.3 million mansion

A local supermarket heir has died at just 62 years old from…
Trump forces CBS into humiliating settlement that will leave their viewers furious

CBS forced into settlement by Trump, angering their audience

CBS and Paramount are facing a significant settlement with Donald Trump exceeding…
One of Meghan's inner circle spills surrogacy revelation... as Harry's ex shares baby update: RICHARD EDEN DIARY

Insider from Meghan’s close group shares news about surrogacy while Harry’s former partner gives baby progress report: RICHARD EDEN DIARY

Growing up as a homosexual man, prominent hairdresser George Northwood, known for…
‘The Old Guard’ Recap: What To Remember From ‘The Old Guard’ Before You Watch ‘The Old Guard 2’

Recap of ‘The Old Guard’: Key Points to Recall Before Watching ‘The Old Guard 2’

It’s been a long five years, but The Old Guard 2 release…
'Sleazebags': President Trump Hilariously Torches Fake News for Their Reports About Iran Bombings

CBS Pays Trump Large Sum of Money for Kamala Interview Scandal, Settlement Reveals Embarrassing Information About Network

Paramount Global and CBS News have reached a settlement regarding a lawsuit…
Jennette McCurdy’s ‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’ Book Headed To Apple TV+ As A Series Starring Jennifer Aniston

Jennette McCurdy’s book ‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’ is being adapted into a TV series on Apple TV+ with Jennifer Aniston set to star.

Jennette McCurdy‘s life and words are headed to Apple TV+. The streaming…
Military-trained dad accused of killing daughters nears 3 weeks living in wilderness amid manhunt

Authorities struggle to find survivalist father as search intensifies: Emotions running high

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The search for the…