Groundwork Ohio Honors Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine with “Belief in Every Child Award” at 2025 Momentum Institute
- Groundwork Ohio
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Dublin, OH — October 23, 2025 – Groundwork Ohio presented the Belief in Every Child Award to Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine today during its 2025 Momentum: Writing the Next Chapter Movement Building Institute, recognizing their enduring commitment to the health, education, and well-being of Ohio’s youngest children and families.
The award celebrates the DeWines’ steadfast belief in every child’s God-given potential and their decades of leadership championing early learning, maternal and infant health, and family supports across Ohio. Now amid his final term, Governor DeWine continues to prioritize early childhood investments that strengthen families and help all children thrive.
A Lifetime of Leadership and Service
Governor DeWine’s record reflects decades of leadership defined by compassion, integrity, and a deep moral conviction that government should be judged by how it treats its youngest citizens. In the U.S. Senate, he was one of Congress’s most consistent champions for children’s health and safety—helping to shape laws that protect children from abuse and neglect, expand adoption and foster care supports, strengthen missing-child investigations, and improve the safety of children’s medicines. As Governor, he established the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, expanded home visiting and child care access, and led efforts to reduce infant mortality through data-driven, community-based action.
First Lady Fran DeWine has also left an indelible mark through her leadership of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ohio, which now serves children in all 88 counties. To date, more than 20 million books have been mailed to Ohio’s youngest readers, reflecting her belief that early literacy and a love of learning are the foundation for lifelong success.
Beyond Ohio, the DeWines’ compassion has extended globally through the Becky DeWine School in Haiti, founded in memory of their daughter. The school provides meals, education, and hope to children in one of the world’s poorest neighborhoods—an enduring example of their belief that every child deserves opportunity and dignity.
“Governor and First Lady DeWine have shown what’s possible when leaders put children at the center of policymaking,” said Lynanne Gutierrez, President & CEO of Groundwork Ohio. “Their compassion, collaboration, and commitment have laid a stronger foundation for Ohio’s future.”
Shannon Jones, former state legislator, current Warren County Commissioner, and Founder of On Key Strategies, presented the award on behalf of Groundwork Ohio, recognizing the DeWines for a lifetime of service devoted to children and families.
“Governor and First Lady DeWine have spent their lives doing what’s right for kids,” said Jones. “Whether in the U.S. Senate or the Governor’s Office, their decisions have always been guided by a simple truth — that government’s highest calling is to protect and invest in its youngest citizens.”
Jones highlighted the DeWines’ record of public service — from Governor DeWine’s leadership on adoption, child safety, and pediatric health in the U.S. Senate, to his work as Governor establishing the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, expanding early learning and home visiting, and tackling infant mortality with determination and heart. She also praised the couple’s humanitarian work founding the Becky DeWine School in Haiti and First Lady DeWine’s leadership in growing the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ohio, which now reaches children in every one of Ohio’s 88 counties.
“Their impact stretches from the children of our nation to the children of Ohio, to the children of the world,” Jones added. “They have shown all of us what it means to serve with faith, humility, and purpose — and what happens when leaders truly believe in every child.”
Following the award presentation, Groundwork Ohio President & CEO Lynanne Gutierrez led a fireside chat with Governor and First Lady DeWine, reflecting on their shared vision for Ohio’s children and the importance of sustaining bipartisan momentum to support families statewide.
“This award signifies a belief we all share - that every child, no matter where they live in the state, should have access to the tools and resources needed to live up to their God-given potential," said Governor Mike DeWine. “I am proud of all we've accomplished to support Ohio's youth over the years and am grateful to all the partners who have also believed in this mission.”
In addition to the DeWines, Groundwork Ohio honored several partners and advocates who exemplify leadership and dedication to early childhood equity.
The Groundwork Champion Award was presented to the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the County Commissioners’ Association of Ohio, and the Richland County Foundation Women’s Fund for their steadfast partnership and advocacy to expand child care access.
The Amplifier Award recognized the Ohio Head Start Association, Inc. for its commitment to preparing children for kindergarten and supporting working families.
The Spark Award celebrated Maleka James, Whitney Gordon, and Deanna Szente for their bold leadership and advocacy on behalf of Ohio’s youngest children and families.
The award presentations took place during Momentum 2025, Groundwork Ohio’s annual convening of 200 early childhood professionals, family advocates, community leaders, and partners from across the state. The event equips participants with tools, data, and inspiration to strengthen the statewide movement for young children and families.
About Groundwork Ohio
Groundwork Ohio is a nonpartisan public-policy research and advocacy organization that champions high-quality early learning and healthy development strategies from the prenatal period to age 5, that lay a strong foundation for Ohio kids, families, and communities. We advance quality early childhood systems in Ohio by engaging, educating, and mobilizing diverse stakeholders and strategic partners to promote data driven and evidence-based early childhood policies. Learn more at groundworkohio.org.