Encompass Community Services
At Encompass Community Services, we believe every child deserves a strong start in life—regardless of where they were born or their immigration status. That’s why we are sounding the alarm on a proposed federal rule that threatens to exclude undocumented children and families from accessing vital early education programs, including Head Start.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a proposed rule that would ban undocumented immigrants from accessing taxpayer-funded programs, including Head Start. You can read the official press release from HHS here. A federal court issued a preliminary injunction on July 22nd, 2025, preventing HHS from enforcing this policy noting the reinterpretation of “federal public benefit”, stalling this from going into effect until the litigation is resolved. We still encourage public comment to let our government officials know how detrimental policies such as these can be for children, families, and communities.
This proposal is not only harmful—it’s unjust. It targets some of our community’s most vulnerable children, undermines the foundational promise of equal opportunity, and directly threatens the national Head Start program. Thankfully for our Santa Cruz community members, Encompass is exempt from these new verification requirements because of our non-profit status. Head Start grantees run by nonprofits are exempt under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act. However, this sudden change sets a harmful new precedent, and we should make our voices heard by opposing policies such as these.
How You Can Help
HHS is currently accepting public comments on this proposal until August 13, 2025. We urge every member of our community to make your voice heard.
Submit your public comment here: https://nhsa.org/resource/proposed-immigration-rule-on-eligibility/
Whether you’re a parent, educator, service provider, or community member — your comment matters. Together, we can push back on this harmful policy and affirm the dignity and worth of every child.
Encompass is Taking Action — Will You Join Us?
For over 52 years, Encompass has provided early education, behavioral health, and housing support to families throughout Santa Cruz County. We stand unwavering in our commitment to serve all children, adults, and families, regardless of immigration status. We need your help to continue this vital work.
Continue to speak up against harmful policies and, when you can, please consider supporting Encompass with a donation. In times of uncertainty, your support has never meant more. A donation today helps us protect our programs, advocate for just policies, and ensure that every child in our community has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you for standing with us — and with the children and families whose futures depend on our actions.