Family Action Network Spotlight: Holly Unger

The Family Action Network Spotlight series highlights parents and caregivers across Ohio who are using their lived experience to advocate for policies that support young children and families. In this week's spotlight, we feature Holly Unger, a member of Groundwork Ohio’s Family Action Network, who shares how advocacy, community, and parent voices can help create systems that better serve families across the state.

My name is Holly Unger, and I’m a mom to nine incredible children. Our home is full of noise, love, challenges, and victories that have shaped me into the advocate I am today. The journey of raising a large family with unique needs, strengths, and IEPs has taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of having systems that truly support families.

My “Why” for Advocacy

I became involved in advocacy because I believe every child deserves a fair and equal start, and every family deserves dignity and support. Watching my own children navigate early childhood programs and special education opened my eyes to how deeply policies affect real family life. Too often, parents feel unheard. I realized that if I didn’t speak up, not just for my kids, but for all kids, nothing would change. That became my why.

How I Connected With Groundwork Ohio & FAN

My advocacy journey started with Early Head Start and Head Start, eventually serving on both the Region V and National Head Start boards. Through that work, I found Groundwork Ohio and the Family Action Network. FAN connected me to other parents with lived experience and gave me a space where my voice and my story were not only welcomed but valued.

What Advocacy Means to Me

Being part of the Family Action Network isn’t just about attending meetings. It means standing shoulder-to-shoulder with families across Ohio. It means using my lived experience to push for policies that work in the real world. Advocacy, to me, is turning pain into purpose and challenges into change.

A Moment I Felt My Voice Made a Difference

One moment I’ll never forget was when I spoke about the barriers families face in navigating IEP services. After sharing my story, several leaders told me they finally understood the gaps and frustrations parents deal with daily. I later saw conversations and decisions shift because of what I said. That moment showed me that one parent's voice can help move systems.

Issues I Care Most About

I care deeply about improving access to:

• quality early childhood education

• mental health supports

• services for children with disabilities

• programs like SNAP-Ed that help families thrive

• systems that don’t overwhelm families but uplift them

  
  

I want families to be able to get help without shame and without fighting endless obstacles.

What I Want Policymakers to Understand

Families like mine are doing the best we can, often while navigating complex systems that weren’t designed with us in mind. We’re not looking for special treatment, we're asking for fairness, respect, and opportunities for our children to succeed. The best policies come from listening to the people living these realities every day.

What I’ve Learned About Advocacy

I’ve learned that advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint. Real change takes time, but every story, every meeting, and every shared experience matters. I’ve learned that the lived experiences of families are powerful and when parents speak, people listen.

What Keeps Me Motivated

My kids are the reason I keep going. Even when the work feels heavy, I think about the future they deserve and the barriers they shouldn’t have to face. I also think about the families who feel voiceless or alone. Knowing that my advocacy can open doors for others keeps me moving forward.

My Hopes for Ohio’s Children and Families

I want an Ohio where every child no matter their ZIP code, background, or ability has the chance to reach their fullest potential. I want families to have access to support that is easy to navigate, responsive, and respectful. And I hope our leaders continue to put parents’ voices at the center of every discussion.

To Families Who Feel Alone

You are not alone. So many families share your struggles, hopes, and fears. There is a community waiting to welcome you, lift you up, and help you be heard. Your voice matters, and when we come together, we are unstoppable.

Why Lived Experience Matters

Families with lived experience bring truth to the table. We know what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to change. Centering our voices leads to policies that are more effective, more compassionate, and more human.

What It Means for Every Child to Reach Their Full Potential

It means giving children the foundation they deserve, safety, love, opportunity, and a system that supports their growth. When children are able to reach their potential, families thrive, communities grow stronger, and our future becomes brighter.