Dana Brown Cooper Head Start Center

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The Dana Brown Cooper Head Start Center is one of many Success Stories that have been locally nominated for recognition in celebration of CDBG's 30th Anniversary.

Success Story Details

Success Story Description

In 1993, Midwest City identified the need for Head Start facilities to serve low income children and families. Out of that need came funding allocations to build portable facilities at Steed Elementary School and to purchase property and construct a new facility to serve the northern side of Midwest City. In the FY94 and FY95 CDBG programs, funds were budgeted to construct two Head Start facilities in Midwest City. The highlight of this effort was the construction of the Dana Brown Cooper Head Start Center, named after Dana Brown Cooper and her son, who perished in the Oklahoma City Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building Bombing in April, 1995. Dana was the director of the daycare, located in the building. $245,000 in CDBG funds were used to purchase land and construct the facility.

Through a collaborative relationship with the Oklahoma and Canadian County Community Action Agency, Midwest City constructed a 2400 sq. ft. facility, which included a commercial kitchen, offices and two classrooms, serving approximately 80 low-income children. Community Action Agency provided all equipment, furnishings and staff to make this facility a true resource to families in Midwest City. The city leases the facility to the CAA at no cost to provide ongoing services.

Current CDBG activities include the purchase of 1.54 acres in land surrounding Dana Brown Cooper Head Start to make access and parking improvements and to plan for future expansion of the facilities.