Groundwork Ohio Roadshow 2026: Logan, Hardin, & Union Counties
On September 23, Groundwork Ohio’s Roadshow traveled to Ridgeway, Ohio to hear directly from local leaders, educators, child care providers, health professionals, and community organizations in the region (Logan, Hardin, and Union Counties) about what young children and families need to thrive.
The conversation highlighted the unique challenges facing rural communities, including child care affordability and availability, workforce shortages, transportation barriers, and access to services, while also showcasing the partnerships already working to support local families.
Policymakers and public officials participating included Logan County Judge Natashsa Kennedy, State Representative Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville), and Logan County Commissioner Mike Yoder.
What We Heard
Child care is essential to the workforce
Across the three counties, participants described child care as both a family support and a workforce issue. Families are struggling with the cost of care, with some earning too much to qualify for assistance but still unable to afford the full price. At the same time, employers are struggling to support workers who need care outside traditional hours, particularly in communities with large manufacturing workforces.
“Middle class can’t afford the full price but also don’t qualify for subsidy.”
The challenges extend to the child care workforce itself. Providers are struggling to recruit and retain staff, while child care professionals can face the same affordability challenges as the families they serve. Participants emphasized the need to strengthen pathways into the early childhood workforce, including more accessible education and credentialing opportunities in rural communities.
Rural communities need flexible, local solutions
Participants emphasized that a one-size-fits-all approach does not always work for rural Ohio. Transportation can make it difficult for families to access child care, health care, and other resources, while limited local providers and educational programs can create additional barriers.
Instead, communities need the flexibility and resources to develop solutions that reflect their own needs. Participants discussed opportunities to support families who choose to provide care in their homes, expand local workforce pathways, provide care options for second and third shift workers, and unlock private-sector investments in child care.
“We struggle for second and third shift options. Manufacturers cannot offer flexibility.”
As Representative Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) noted, local communities need opportunities to articulate what they need rather than relying on solutions designed without their input.
Cross-sector collaboration brings services closer to families
Throughout the conversation, participants shared examples of schools, health departments, courts, child care providers, and community organizations working together to reach families.
School-based health services are connecting children with health, mental health, and other supports, while community events are bringing multiple organizations together in one place so families can access resources more easily. Participants also highlighted partnerships supporting early intervention, kindergarten readiness, and family services.
These collaborations can help communities reach families earlier and build trust with the organizations supporting them.
“Reaching one family is a win because of the ripple effect.”
The Logan, Hardin, and Union County Roadshow stop demonstrated that communities are already developing creative, locally driven solutions to support children and families, but recognize the need for more investment and are actively looking for new and creative solutions. By strengthening those partnerships and giving communities the flexibility and resources to respond to local needs, Ohio can build stronger communities for young children and their families.
Learn More
Explore Groundwork Ohio’s county fact sheets to learn more about the data behind this Roadshow stop.
