Holly Unger's Story: Investing in Families

Why Holly Speaks Up for Child Care and Early Learning

by Holly Unger, Parent Advocate

My name is Holly Unger, and I am here today to share my journey—a journey shaped by the adoption of nine incredible children, my experiences with Early Head Start and Head Start, and the challenges and triumphs that have brought me to where I am today.

Adopting nine children has been the most rewarding and transformative experience of my life. Each child has taught me something new—about resilience, patience, and the power of unconditional love. But raising a large family comes with challenges, and one of the biggest has always been access to quality child care and early education.

That’s where Early Head Start and Head Start came in. These programs were a lifeline—not only for my children but for me as a parent. They didn’t just provide my kids with a strong foundation for learning; they helped me grow, too. Through these programs, I learned the importance of getting parents involved in their child’s education. I saw firsthand how crucial it is to show parents that they are valued, that they are capable, and that they play an essential role in shaping their child’s future.

Because of my deep commitment to these programs, I took on leadership roles, serving as a parent representative on both the Region Five Head Start board and the National Head Start board. These experiences gave me a voice—not just for my own family, but for families across the country who rely on these programs just as I did.

One of the toughest decisions my family ever faced was choosing which one of us—my husband or I—could work because of the high cost of child care. Like so many other families, we had to weigh our financial stability against the need to care for our children. It’s a choice no parent should have to make. Quality, affordable child care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

“I share my story today because I know that there are countless other parents out there facing the same struggles I did. They need to know they are not alone. They need to know they are worth investing in.”

Despite these challenges, I pursued my education, working toward my bachelor’s degree while raising my family. And today, I am proud to work for the Ohio State Extension Office in Licking County as part of the SNAP-Ed program. In this role, I get to help families in my community access the resources and education they need to lead healthier lives.

My journey—from an overwhelmed parent navigating the adoption of nine children to an advocate, a leader, and now an educator—has been shaped by the support of programs like Head Start and by the belief that all families deserve the chance to succeed.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I hope it serves as a reminder of why programs that support families—like Head Start and affordable child care—are not just beneficial but essential.