Peoples Bank & Trust Donates to Pana C.E.F.S. Head Start Program

Joani Jones, Consumer Banking Officer at Peoples Bank & Trust recently presented a check for $1000.00 to Kristy Watrous, teacher and Katie Coffey, Education Specialist with the Pana C.E.F.S Head Start 0 -5 Program. In giving back to the community, Peoples Bank & Trust is committed to not only serving our customers, but also the communities it serves.

The C.E.F.S. Head Start 0 -5 Program is a federally-funded program that provides comprehensive classroom and home-based educational services to pregnant women and children ages 0 -5 including those with significant or multiple special needs. There are no entry fees for enrollment and no fees are charged for services. Transportation assistance is also provided, as applicable.

The C.E.F.S. Head Start 0 -5 Program is located at 721 E. Washington St. in Pana. Preschool center-based classes are provided in either the morning or afternoon Monday through Thursday. Each session last 3 ½ hours and includes healthy meals and snacks. Teachers plan daily lessons with developmentally appropriate activities that advance the children’s self-confidence, problem solving skills, and social development. Indoor and outdoor activities are provided along with computer experiences and field
trips.

Home-based sessions are available for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers. They are held 1 ½ hours once per week with up to two group activities held each month. Pregnant women visits are at least once a month. Parent Educators make visits to the family’s home for educational activities that involve both the parent and child.

Although the C.E.F.S. program is federally funded, each location is required to provide a 20% community match of its funding to operate. The main source of that 20% community match is from donations and volunteer hours. Volunteers can read to the children, sew doll clothes, doll bedding and items for dramatic play or share a talent or hobby with the children just to name a few. Donations of frequently used items also count towards that 20% match. Facial tissue, paper towels, toilet paper, writing paper, art materials, paper or foam plates, plastic cutlery, band aids, children’s books or dress up clothes are just a few of the items that can be donated.

Applications are taken for the program throughout the year. Please call or text for more information or to set up an appointment: E.E.F.S. Head Start 0 -5 program office at 1-866-442-1900 Ext. 139 or text 1-217-663-7822.

Peoples Bank & Trust is an Independent Community Bank with ten offices located in Pana, Taylorville, Altamont, Tower Hill, Waverly, White Hall, Palmyra, Morrisonville, Charleston and Springfield. Peoples is a full service bank offering outstanding customer service to consumers, small business, and farmers in Central Illinois. People First Bancshares, Inc., with corporate offices in Pana, Illinois, is the holding company for Peoples Bank & Trust.