Groundwork Ohio

Thank you to @SenJonHusted for sharing his story and recognizing National Foster Care Month. Personal stories and lived experiences help inform policies that better support children and families across Ohio. We’re excited to welcome Senator Husted’s office tomorrow, Wednesday May 27, to the Ohio Statehouse for our Family Voices at Statehouse event, where families from across the state will share their own stories.

A new report from @OhioDCY’s Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review (PAMR) Committee sheds light on pregnancy-related deaths that occurred in 2021 and the systemic factors contributing to maternal health outcomes across the state. Among the findings: ▪️ 88% of pregnancy-related deaths were preventable ▪️ Non-Hispanic Black women were disproportionately impacted The report reinforces the importance of collaboration across health care systems, public health agencies, providers, and communities to improve maternal health outcomes and support healthy pregnancies for all Ohioans. Read more: groundworkohio.org/post/understan…

📍On May 27, families from across Ohio will head to the Ohio Statehouse for Family Voices at the Statehouse with Groundwork Ohio. Teresa, Ebony, and Arganise, and their families from Franklin County, will be at the Statehouse sharing their stories and advocating for policies that support Ohio’s youngest children and families. We hope to see @billdemora and Reps. @c_cockley and @Russo4Ohio there to hear directly about the experiences, challenges, and opportunities shaping life for young children across Ohio. Learn more: groundworkohio.org/familyvoices #OhioFamilyVoices

Last week, Groundwork Ohio was on Capitol Hill for the First Five Federal-State Partnership Summit hosted by First Five Years Fund, advocating for Ohio’s youngest children and families. Our team met with 10 Ohio congressional offices to discuss the importance of strong federal investments in early learning and child care programs that help children thrive and support working families across Ohio. Congress is making important funding decisions right now about programs like Head Start, Early Head Start, and the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) — and lawmakers need to hear from all of us. Tell Congress to Support Strong Federal Investments in Early Childhood: secure.everyaction.com/gOs3-t7TKEeW2r…

📍On May 27, families from across Ohio will head to the Ohio Statehouse for Family Voices at the Statehouse with Groundwork Ohio. Larissa and her family from Cuyahoga County, will be at the Statehouse sharing their stories and advocating for policies that support Ohio’s youngest children and families. We hope to see Sen @TomPattonOH and Rep. @BrennanforOhio there to hear directly about the experiences, challenges, and opportunities shaping life for young children across Ohio. Learn more: groundworkohio.org/familyvoices #OhioFamilyVoices

📍On May 27, families from across Ohio will head to the Ohio Statehouse for Family Voices at the Statehouse with Groundwork Ohio. Draya and Alexandra and their families from Stark County, will be at the Statehouse sharing their stories and advocating for policies that support Ohio’s youngest children and families. We hope to see Sen. @JaneTimkenOH and Rep. Jim Thomas there to hear directly about the experiences, challenges, and opportunities shaping life for young children across Ohio. Learn more: groundworkohio.org/familyvoices #OhioFamilyVoices

Ohio’s child care challenges are holding families back and costing our economy. As Ohio’s gubernatorial candidates outline their visions, this conversation highlights what’s at stake for children, working families, and the future workforce. Thank you to @clevelanddotcom and @jpelzer for elevating this critical issue. Read more: cleveland.com/news/2026/05/o…

📍On May 27, families from across Ohio will head to the Ohio Statehouse for Family Voices at the Statehouse with Groundwork Ohio. Shyanna and her family from Seneca County, will be at the Statehouse sharing their stories and advocating for policies that support Ohio’s youngest children and families. We hope to see @BillReineke and Rep. @clickforohio there to hear directly about the experiences, challenges, and opportunities shaping life for young children across Ohio. Learn more: groundworkohio.org/familyvoices #OhioFamilyVoices

Meet Sara Loken, Groundwork Ohio’s Managing Director of Communications. From leading statewide advocacy campaigns to helping elevate the voices of children and families, Sara’s work helps connect policy, storytelling, and action across Ohio. In our latest staff spotlight, Sara shares what inspires her work, why voter engagement matters for young children, and how Groundwork Ohio is helping build a stronger future for families across the state. Read more: groundworkohio.org/post/groundwor…

📍On May 27, families from across Ohio will head to the Ohio Statehouse for Family Voices at the Statehouse with Groundwork Ohio. Charrell, Fartun, and Erin, and their families from Franklin County, will be at the Statehouse sharing their stories and advocating for policies that support Ohio’s youngest children and families. We hope to see @billdemora and Rep. @muniraforohio there to hear directly about the experiences, challenges, and opportunities shaping life for young children across Ohio. Learn more: groundworkohio.org/familyvoices #OhioFamilyVoices

📍On May 27, families from across Ohio will head to the Ohio Statehouse for Family Voices at the Statehouse with Groundwork Ohio. Courtney and her family from Fayette County, will be at the Statehouse sharing their stories and advocating for policies that support Ohio’s youngest children and families. We hope to see Sen. @repkoehler and Rep. Dean there to hear directly about the experiences, challenges, and opportunities shaping life for young children across Ohio. Learn more: groundworkohio.org/familyvoices #OhioFamilyVoices

📍On May 27, families from across Ohio will head to the Ohio Statehouse for Family Voices at the Statehouse with Groundwork Ohio. Ryane and Kaylah and their families from Hamilton County, will be at the Statehouse sharing their stories and advocating for policies that support Ohio’s youngest children and families. We hope to see Sen. @cingram32, and Reps. @ CecilThomasOH and @_alynnbryant there to hear directly about the experiences, challenges, and opportunities shaping life for young children across Ohio. Learn more: groundworkohio.org/familyvoices #OhioFamilyVoices

📍On May 27, families from across Ohio will head to the Ohio Statehouse for Family Voices at the Statehouse with Groundwork Ohio. Shannon and Ikea and their families from Franklin County, will be at the Statehouse sharing their stories and advocating for policies that support Ohio’s youngest children and families. We hope to see Senator Craig and Reps. @ismailforohio and @latynamhumphrey there to hear directly about the experiences, challenges, and opportunities shaping life for young children across Ohio. Learn more: groundworkohio.org/familyvoices #OhioFamilyVoices

📍On May 27, families from across Ohio will head to the Ohio Statehouse for Family Voices at the Statehouse with Groundwork Ohio. Baylee and Deyonca and their families from Lucas County, will be at the Statehouse sharing their stories and advocating for policies that support Ohio’s youngest children and families. We hope to see Sen. @phh4Toledo and Rep. @ErikaForOhio there to hear directly about the experiences, challenges, and opportunities shaping life for young children across Ohio. Learn more: groundworkohio.org/familyvoices #OhioFamilyVoices

Is your family facing challenges finding or affording child care? Your story can help shine a light on the realities families are experiencing and support efforts to strengthen child care in Ohio. Visit our Early Learning Dashboard for key takeaways about the experiences of Ohio's youngest children and their families. 🤝 secure.everyaction.com/yKm0TZHXxE60qt…

📍On May 27, families from across Ohio will head to the Ohio Statehouse for Family Voices at the Statehouse with Groundwork Ohio. Elizabeth, Garret, Vicki and their families from Troy County, will be at the Statehouse sharing their stories and advocating for policies that support Ohio’s youngest children and families. We hope to see Sen. @SteveHuffmanOH and Rep. Newman there to hear directly about the experiences, challenges, and opportunities shaping life for young children across Ohio. Learn more: groundworkohio.org/familyvoices #OhioFamilyVoices

📍On May 27, families from across Ohio will head to the Ohio Statehouse for Family Voices at the Statehouse with Groundwork Ohio. Clatina, Dalaun, Whitney, and Aleaha and their families from Franklin County, will be at the Statehouse sharing their stories and advocating for policies that support Ohio’s youngest children and families. We hope to see Senator @HearcelCraig and Rep. @iamDontavius there to hear directly about the experiences, challenges, and opportunities shaping life for young children across Ohio. Learn more: groundworkohio.org/familyvoices #OhioFamilyVoices

May is National Foster Care Month, and Ohio is gaining national recognition for its leadership on behalf of children and families. Under @GovMikeDeWine and the @OhioDCY, the state has been selected to partner with the federal government on the “A Home for Every Child” initiative—focused on ensuring children in foster care have safe, stable, and permanent homes. This partnership reflects strong alignment and momentum around improving outcomes for children in the child welfare system, with a focus on family-centered solutions and stability. We’re encouraged to see this level of leadership and partnership—and proud to support Ohio’s continued focus on meeting the needs of young children. Read more: governor.ohio.gov/media/governor…

📍On May 27, families from across Ohio will head to the Ohio Statehouse for Family Voices at the Statehouse with Groundwork Ohio. Kelsey and her family from Ottawa County, will be at the Statehouse sharing their stories and advocating for policies that support Ohio’s youngest children and families. We hope to see Sen. @theresagavarone and Rep. @DJSwearg89 there to hear directly about the experiences, challenges, and opportunities shaping life for young children across Ohio. Learn more: groundworkohio.org/familyvoices #OhioFamilyVoices