Honor a Father Who Was Present From the Start
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Written by: Jacob Oates, Director of Programming & Impact, Groundwork Ohio
Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the dads, grandfathers, and caregivers who are present from the start - helping children feel safe, supported, and loved from their very first days.
Investing in young children and families has been the defining purpose of my career. From serving children and parents directly as an early childhood professional and administrator to advancing policy and advocacy through Groundwork Ohio, this work has always mattered deeply to me.
But two months ago, when my wife and I welcomed our first child, that purpose took on new meaning. Today, I approach my work not only as an advocate, but as a father. The policies and systems I work to strengthen are no longer abstract—they shape the future my own child, and every child, deserves.
For young children, those early years matter deeply. Strong relationships and stable environments help build the foundation for lifelong health, learning, and success. But being present for children is easier when families have access to the supports they need, including quality child care, health care, and economic stability. Too many Ohio families are navigating rising costs, limited access to care, and systems that make it harder to give their children the strong start they deserve.
At Groundwork Ohio, we work every day to change that. We advocate for policies and investments that help families thrive during the most important years of a child's development.
This Father’s Day, we invite you to honor the fathers and caregivers who have made a difference in your life by making a gift to Groundwork Ohio.
Your support helps advance solutions that strengthen families, support parents and caregivers, and ensure more children have the opportunity to thrive from the very beginning.