Sen. Collins visits Gouldville center
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Aroostook County Action Program, Inc. recently hosted Sen. Susan Collins at the ACAP Early Care and Education Center, Gouldville.
In addition to touring the building and learning more about the programs that are provided there, Senator Collins read to a classroom of excited children ages 3-4, and visited with toddlers in another room.
“It was an honor to host Senator Collins at Gouldville,” explained Sue Powers, senior manager of ACAP Family Services. “We had the opportunity to share information about the programs we provide and the thousands of children and families we serve in our center. March was National Reading Awareness Month, making Senator Collins’ visit a timely one. The highlight of our time together was to have her read to the children, who were delighted to have her attention!”
“My involvement with reading initiatives with Maine students has shown me that reading is the best way for children to love learning as they grow up,” said Collins. “I commend parents, educators and organizations like ACAP for teaching children how enjoyable reading can be and instilling enduring reading habits.
“I was also impressed by the array of services that ACAP offers to area families, including dental care for low-income children,” Collins said.
Presque Isle’s ACAP Early Care and Education Center is located in the former Gouldville School building. The center offers Early Head Start, Head Start and child care services to 100 children. In addition, WIC (Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants and Children) provides food vouchers, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support and access to health services to low-income women, infants, and children 0-5 years of age.
Oral Health Care services for low-income children are also provided at Gouldville, thanks to a dental operatory located on site.
