Breaking the Cycle: Why Economic Stability is the Key to Helping Families Thrive

By Malissa Harris, Policy Associate 

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Introduction: A Childhood Framed by Poverty 

Over the years, I’ve looked back at my life and reflected on the poverty I grew up in. As a child, you don’t always recognize that your circumstances are different. You assume everyone shares the same life. It’s only in adulthood that you begin to realize how much you went without—and how much those early experiences shape your outlook as a parent. 

For about 14 years, I lived with my mom, dad, and brother in my grandmother’s house. I can still remember the quiet remarks from relatives wondering why we were all crammed under one roof. But to me, it was normal. Later, even when my parents bought a small home outside that town, we still couldn’t live independently. My uncle, his wife, and eventually their child moved in. We were seven people in a three-bedroom house. My mom worked two jobs—and even that wasn’t enough. This was more than 15 years ago, and the truth is, poverty has only deepened for many families since then. 

Living the Reality Many Families Still Face Today 

The struggle I experienced growing up is far from unique. Today, in Ohio, 1 in 5 children lives in poverty. That statistic is more than just a number—it represents real families with real dreams, doing everything they can just to get by. Many parents are working multiple jobs, navigating long waitlists for child care, and still falling short. They are not lazy or irresponsible—they are exhausted and unsupported by systems that should be helping, not holding them back. 

Why Economic Stability Matters

 Economic stability is one of the most powerful predictors of a child's long-term well-being. When families have consistent income and access to supports like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), they’re better positioned to meet their children’s basic needs—like food, housing, and child care. These aren’t luxuries; they’re the foundation of healthy development. 

Research shows that even modest increases in household income significantly improve children’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral outcomes. One landmark study found that income boosts in early childhood were linked to better academic performance, higher earnings in adulthood, and improved mental health later in life  

The Policy Path Forward: Support That Works 

If we want to change outcomes for Ohio’s children and families, we must invest in what works. That’s why we need to: 

• Restore the Governor’s executive budget proposal to increase Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) initial eligibility to 160% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). 

• Pass a refundable Ohio Child Tax Credit of $1,000 per child under age 6 to provide direct support to families during critical early development years. 

  

  Conclusion: From Surviving to Thriving I spent much of my life trying to outrun the shadow of multi-generational poverty. I now know that the best way to prevent others from going through the same is not by telling families to work harder—but by giving them the tools, resources, and support to build something better. Programs like PFCC and SNAP aren’t handouts—they’re hand-ups. They allow parents to focus on their children, not just on survival. And when families thrive, communities do too.  

Call to Action: Let’s Build a Stronger Future—Together 

Now is the time for Ohio to prioritize our families. We urge policymakers to restore and expand investments in Publicly Funded Child Care and to pass the refundable Ohio Child Tax Credit. These policies are not just budget line items—they’re lifelines for working parents and the building blocks of a healthier, more equitable future for our children. 

1. Contact your legislators and tell them you support increasing PFCC eligibility to 160% FPL and passing a refundable $1,000 Child Tax Credit for children under 6.  

2. Share your story. Personal experiences are powerful tools for change. Talk about how economic instability or access to benefits like SNAP and child care have impacted your family. 

3. Join the movement. Get involved with advocacy organizations like Groundwork Ohio’s Family Action Network to help amplify family voices in policy conversations.