“I was born and raised in the Nanticoke area. The odds were stacked against me: my mother suffered from a mental illness and was an alcoholic, so I was raised by my dad, and I was naive and easily influenced as a kid. I became a mother at the age of nineteen and found myself in an abusive relationship. I knew I wanted better for my child and myself, so I decided to go back to school to get my degree.
I am happy to say it will be nine years since I started working with Luzerne County Head Start. I am a family worker for the Nanticoke Center, where I wear a lot of different hats. I help children get enrolled in our federally-funded preschool program: this program gives economically disadvantaged families the chance to give their children a “head start” at education. I also help families become self-sufficient by working on goals and giving referrals wherever needed. For example, I have helped parents get their GEDs, drivers licenses, housing, furniture, medical and dental assistance, and employment. I also help them find behavioral services and counseling, as well as substance abuse treatment. I organize health fairs, clothing drives, and parent committee events that focus on getting the community engaged and connected with the resources and agencies they need to be successful. Head Start looks at the family as a whole, and helps them become self-sufficient. We give children an opportunity to build a foundation for learning and success in life, and I’m a very proud part of that.
Did I mention that I was also a Head Start child and went to the same center I work at? I think it’s really important to give back to the organization that has given so much to me and my family, one where I wrote my first words, and I feel fortunate to be in the position where I can help families like mine was. My job is fulfilling, rewarding, and a huge benefit to our society because we are protecting our kids and our future. Every child deserves a head start!”
Brittany Murtha, 2006
Luzerne County Head Start Family Worker
