Groundwork Ohio Brings Family Voices to the Ohio Statehouse
- May 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 2
On May 27, nearly 300 advocates — made up of parents, caregivers, grandparents, foster and adoptive families, babies, toddlers, and young children from across Ohio — gathered at the Ohio Statehouse for Family Voices at the Statehouse, a powerful day of advocacy, storytelling, and connection centered on Ohio’s youngest children and the families raising them.
Advocates traveled from urban and rural communities across the state, representing 28 of Ohio’s 33 Senate districts, more than half of Ohio House districts, and every Congressional district in Ohio. More than half of participating families identified as families of color, and families were recruited and supported through partnerships with 51 community-based organizations statewide.
The event comes at a critical moment. A recent unpublished survey from the RAPID Family Voices Project of hundreds of Ohio families revealed a clear gap between parents having a voice and parents having influence.
While most respondents said policymakers “sometimes” hear from people with experiences like theirs, far fewer believe policymakers truly listen. In fact, only 12% of parents said policymakers “always” listen to families like them — reinforcing why opportunities for families to share their stories directly with decision-makers are so important.
In the weeks leading up to the event, participating families took part in three advocacy trainings designed to help prepare them for the day at the Statehouse.
These trainings gave families opportunities to build confidence in sharing their stories, learn more about the policymaking process, connect with fellow advocates from across Ohio, and prepare for conversations with state and federal lawmakers.
Families Meet Directly with Policymakers
The event brought together families from urban, suburban, and rural communities to meet directly with both state and federal policymakers and share their lived experiences navigating child care, health care, housing, food access, early intervention services, and other systems impacting young children and families across Ohio.
Throughout the day, families connected with legislators and staff from across the state, reinforcing the importance of ensuring family voices are not only heard — but reflected in policy decisions.
Families met with over 50 legislators and their staff, comprised of Ohio House, Ohio Senate, and Congressional offices.
Building Community and Elevating Voices
The day began with a special story time led by Vanessa Butler, Senior Director of Community Relations at Groundwork Ohio, who welcomed families and children with a warm and engaging reading that helped set the tone for a day focused on elevating family voices, celebrating children, and building community.
Opening remarks were delivered from Lynanne Gutierrez, President & CEO of Groundwork Ohio, and Kara B. Wente, Director of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, who emphasized the importance of centering families and elevating the voices of parents and caregivers in policy conversations shaping Ohio’s future.
What Ohio Families Shared
Ahead of the event, participating families were surveyed about the issues creating the most stress for their families right now. Families identified challenges across Groundwork Ohio’s four core policy pillars:
Families also shared the single issue that, if solved, would make the biggest difference for their family’s well-being and future.
Their responses highlighted the urgent need for policies that support affordable child care, stable housing and food access, maternal and child health, mental health supports, and economic stability for families raising young children.
Elevating Family Stories
Families also heard from keynote speaker Rachel Giannini, a nationally recognized childhood specialist, curriculum designer, speaker, and early childhood advocate. Rachel brought energy, joy, and inspiration to the event through an interactive keynote focused on the importance of early childhood, believing in children, and recognizing the incredible work parents and caregivers do every day.
In addition to serving as keynote speaker, Rachel hosted her signature “Tats & Chats” experience throughout the day — creating space for children and families to share personal reflections, stories, and conversations centered on parenting, advocacy, and raising young children in Ohio.
Throughout the event, Groundwork Ohio also debuted three powerful family story videos featuring families from across Ohio who shared their lived experiences raising young children and navigating systems that impact family well-being.
The videos featured Deyonca Wright from Lucas County, Clarisse Loughridge from Mercer County, and Ebony Bowers from Franklin County. Each story emphasizes the importance of listening to families directly and ensuring their experiences help shape policies impacting Ohio’s youngest children and caregivers.
Deyonca Wright | Lucas County
Clarisse Loughridge | Mercer County
Ebony Bowers | Franklin County
Bipartisan Legislative Panel
A highlight of the event was the bipartisan legislative panel discussion featuring Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood), Representative Gary Click (R-Vickery), Representative Meredith Lawson-Rowe (D-Reynoldsburg), and Representative Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon).
The conversation focused on affordability, family well-being, advocacy, and the role policymakers play in supporting Ohio families. The panel was moderated by Groundwork Ohio Policy Associate Malissa Harris and Family Action Committee Member Garret Thompson, who guided a meaningful discussion rooted in the lived experiences of families across the state.
Library Lounge and Family Activities
Throughout the event, families and children also enjoyed a dedicated Library Lounge made possible through the support of Lakeshore Learning and The Literacy Cooperative. The space provided books, activities, and opportunities for children and families to read and engage together during the event.
Groundwork Ohio also recognized the many partners, sponsors, volunteers, and community organizations who helped make the day possible. We would like to thank the many recruiting partners who helped connect us with families across Ohio for this event.
A Celebration of Advocacy and Community
The event concluded with families, caregivers, advocates, and children taking a celebratory stroll around the statehouse, while a collectively chanting “Our Families. Our Stories. Our Statehouse.” — a joyful reminder that Ohio families deserve to be heard by policymakers at every level.
The event also marked the official launch of Groundwork Ohio’s 2026 Roadshow — a statewide effort to travel across Ohio, listen directly to families and communities, and elevate local voices shaping the future of policy for young children and families.
Most importantly, Family Voices at the Statehouse served as a reminder that families are experts in their own experiences — and that meaningful policy solutions begin by listening to those most directly impacted.
When families lead, communities change. And when family voices are centered, Ohio’s youngest children have the opportunity to thrive.
