Family Voices at the Statehouse: How One Family Found Their Voice

By: Holly Unger, Family Action Network Member

Hello, my name is Holly Unger. My first experience with Groundwork Ohio's Family Action Network (FAN) was in 2022 at the Ohio Statehouse for Family Voices at the Statehouse, and it truly changed everything for me and my family.

That day, I had the opportunity to meet so many families just like mine. Families navigating child care challenges, raising children with unique needs, and doing their best to build strong futures. What made it even more meaningful was that I wasn’t alone. I was standing alongside a few of my own children. They got to witness firsthand what it looks like to use your voice for something bigger than yourself.

For my children, it wasn’t just a day at the Statehouse. It was a moment of learning and empowerment. They saw that their voices matter, and that even at a young age, they can be part of change. As a parent and a foster parent that meant everything to me.

Because of that experience, I found the confidence to take the next step. In 2023, I went on to deliver testimony in front of the finance committee at the Statehouse on Ohio House Bill 33. Sharing our story, speaking up for my children and my foster children, and for access to quality child care was one of the most impactful things I’ve ever done.

Advocacy can feel overwhelming at first. But FAN showed me that it starts with simply showing up and telling your story. Since then, doors have opened not just for me, but for my entire family. We’ve been given opportunities to speak, connect, and continue pushing for the changes that families across Ohio truly need.

Being part of FAN has reminded me that our experiences matter. Our voices matter. And when we come together, we can make a difference—not just for our own children, but for families all across Ohio.