Columbus, Ohio: Groundwork applauds the critical first step taken by Governor DeWine this afternoon toward improving the outcomes of Ohio’s most vulnerable children. Groundwork, in partnership with the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association, led the successful Vote for Ohio Kids campaign, which highlighted home visiting as a top priority in its consensus agenda, to ensure that the incoming Governor would put kids at the top of the agenda.
“It is clear from Governor DeWine’s very first actions upon taking the oath of office, that he is absolutely committed to laying the necessary foundation for the healthy development of young children in the state,” said Shannon Jones, Executive Director of Groundwork Ohio. “Today’s announcement confirms, yet again, his understanding that we have to follow the evidence and invest early to improve the lifelong success of all Ohio kids.”
Yesterday, Groundwork announced a unique partnership with the Pritzker Children’s Initiative (PCI) to promote policies and opportunities that impact the most at-risk children -- Ohio’s babies and toddlers -- who carry the greatest burden. This grant will support efforts to serve more of these vulnerable Ohio kids, 26% of whom live below the poverty level.
“As experts in the field with a broad and diverse set of stakeholders at our table, we are continuously evaluating barriers and opportunities to scaling the evidence-based interventions we know drive child outcomes,” added Jones. “We look forward to working with the administration to ensure that the Governor can deliver on his kid-centered agenda.”
Groundwork Ohio is a committed, nonpartisan advocacy organization formed in 2004 that advances quality early learning and development as the most transformative strategy to improve school outcomes, increase the life-long success of Ohio’s children, and lay a strong foundation for economic prosperity in the state of Ohio. To learn more about Groundwork Ohio visit www.GroundworkOhio.organd follow us on Twitter @GroundworkOhio and Facebook, www.facebook.com/GroundworkOhio.
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