Groundwork Ohio

Access to child care remains a major challenge for many rural Ohio families and employers.

In our recent resource, Business Innovation in Child Care: Case Studies Across Ohio released in partnership with The Ohio Chamber of Commerce, we highlight how COAD4Kids is partnering with businesses and communities across southeastern Ohio to help expand child care access and support working families.

From employer-supported child care centers to community partnerships and workforce solutions, COAD4kids is helping communities create innovative approaches to meet local child care needs across rural Ohio.

Read more: https://www.groundworkohio.org/post/business-innovation-in-child-care-spotlight-coad4kids

Nearly 300 parents, caregivers, advocates, and young children from across Ohio gathered at the Ohio Statehouse for Family Voices at the Statehouse — a day dedicated to elevating family voices and connecting families directly with policymakers.

Families met with state and federal legislators, shared their lived experiences, participated in advocacy conversations, and reminded leaders that families must be at the center of policy decisions impacting Ohio’s youngest children.

The day featured keynote speaker Rachel Giannini, bipartisan legislative discussions, powerful family story videos, a literacy corner for children and families, and a celebratory stroll to the West Lawn of the Statehouse.

Thank you to every family, partner, sponsor, volunteer, and advocate who made this incredible day possible.

Read more: https://ow.ly/f9JP50Z5lIt

Ohio House GOP Ohio House Dems Ohio House GOP Ohio Senate Republicans Representative Gary Click Nickie J. Antonio Adam Mathews State Rep. Meredith R. Lawson-Rowe

I had the pleasure of welcoming the wonderful Maddox family from Adams County to my office, 7 children strong!

They came to the State House to advocate for adoption and share the importance of giving every child the opportunity for a loving home and bright future. Thank you to the Maddox family for your heart, your advocacy, and the example you set for others.

During Groundwork Ohio's Family Voices at the Statehouse event yesterday in Columbus, families shared their stories, connected with policymakers, and highlighted what Ohio’s youngest children and their families need to thrive.

Pictured are COAD4kids Division Director Michelle Corrigan with her kids, Coran Oestrike, 5, Wilfred Oestrike, 8, and Alexandra Neal from Early Childhood Resource Center and her son, Benny Neal, 5.

Thank you to State Rep. Meredith R. Lawson-Rowe for joining Groundwork Ohio’s Family Voices at the Statehouse and for speaking with families about the real pressures impacting their daily lives.

We appreciated your thoughtful conversation during our bipartisan legislative panel around child care affordability, health care costs, and the importance of policies that support working families. Ohio families deserve to be heard in the policymaking process, and we’re grateful for your time, partnership, and engagement throughout the day.

Thank you for helping center family voices in these important conversations.

Thank you to Representative Gary Click for participating in Groundwork Ohio’s Family Voices at the Statehouse and engaging directly with families from across Ohio.

We appreciate your thoughtful conversation during our bipartisan legislative panel around affordability and the challenges families face when support disappears too quickly as income changes. Conversations like these matter, and we’re grateful for your willingness to listen to families and explore solutions that help parents and caregivers move toward long-term stability.

Thank you for spending the day with Ohio families and helping elevate their voices.

Thank you to Leader Nickie J. Antonio for joining Groundwork Ohio’s Family Voices at the Statehouse and taking time to hear directly from Ohio families.

We’re grateful for your thoughtful conversation during our bipartisan legislative panel around reducing barriers for families and improving access to affordable, quality child care across Ohio. Events like this are a reminder of how important it is for policymakers to hear directly from parents and caregivers about the realities they are facing every day.

Thank you for helping create space for family voices at the Statehouse.

Families in Muskingum County: Your voice matters.

Join BCDI Ohio and Groundwork Ohio for a welcoming virtual listening session on Wednesday June 10, focused on child care, early learning, and family supports in your community.

This family-centered conversation is an opportunity for parents, caregivers, and families to share their experiences, discuss challenges, and help inform advocacy and solutions that better support children and families across Muskingum County.

Eligible participants who actively participate will receive a stipend. Space is limited, and registration is encouraged.

Register here: https://www.mobilize.us/bcdiohio/event/958013/