Groundwork Ohio Launches Family Action Network at the Statehouse
This week at the Ohio Statehouse, Groundwork Ohio officially launched its Family Action Network, a powerful and diverse statewide coalition of Ohio families with infants, toddlers, and young children who will engage with policymakers on the issues that matter most to them and their families.
At the Family Action Network launch event, roughly 700 Ohioans – including parents, grandparents, foster parents, kinship caregivers, their young children, community partners, and policymakers – gathered to share their stories with state legislators and celebrate the power of family voices.
Parents and caregivers are powerful agents of change. Groundwork Ohio is honored to invest in the leadership of Ohio families through our powerful statewide Family Action Network. We look forward to continuing to partner with families to elevate their voices and empower them to engage in advocacy and policymaking – whether in their own communities or at the Statehouse.
Governor Mike DeWine Addresses Groundwork's Family Action Network
During the launch of Groundwork Ohio's Family Action Network at the Ohio Statehouse, families and their young children were welcomed by a very special guest: Ohio Governor Mike DeWine! In recorded remarks shared with the Family Action Network, Governor DeWine encouraged families to elevate their voices, share their stories, and engage in the policymaking process.
“As the number one people in the lives of children, you play a vital role in Ohio’s future, and you are a valuable source of information about family issues,” Governor Mike DeWine told families in his recorded remarks. “I encourage you to share your stories and your concerns with Ohio’s policy and lawmakers whenever you have that opportunity, but especially today during this celebration of families.”
Thank you, Governor DeWine, for welcoming our Family Action Network to the Ohio Statehouse!
Groundwork, YWCA-Columbus Host Forum on Young Children & Families
As part of the launch of Groundwork Ohio's Family Action Network, Groundwork Ohio and YWCA-Columbus co-hosted the Collaborative for Young Children Forum at the Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square. The Forum was a unique opportunity for early childhood stakeholders, including organizational leaders, early childhood professionals, advocates, and families, to hear remarks from guest speakers like Jamie Carmichael, the Ohio Department of Health’s first Chief Health Opportunity Advisor, and Columbus City Councilmember Elizabeth Brown.
Following the Forum, early childhood stakeholders marched to the Statehouse to join Groundwork's Family Celebration and show their support for members of the Family Action Network. We thank YWCA-Columbus, our guest speakers, early childhood professionals, advocates, and families for participating in the launch of our Family Action Network!
Upcoming Webinar: Join Us for a Discussion on Maternal Mental Health
On Wednesday, May 25th at 11:00 AM, during National Mental Health Awareness Month and Ohio’s Maternal Mortality Awareness Month, please join Groundwork Ohio's Center for Maternal & Young Child Health for a virtual conversation on maternal mental health and its relationship to and maternal mortality and morbidity.
Maternal mortality and morbidity is a major public health crisis in Ohio. However, discussions about the contributing factors to maternal mortality and morbidity often don't include maternal mental health. National and statewide data demonstrate that maternal mental health must be recognized as a part of the comprehensive picture of maternal health and well-being.
The webinar will feature community-based organizations, providers, advocates, and people with lived experience who will share the unique ways they are supporting the mental health of pregnant Ohioans and mothers in their communities and advancing equity.
New Resource on National Baby Formula Shortage
No parent or caregiver should worry about being able to feed their infant. Yet due to a national shortage of baby formula, parents and caregivers across the country are increasingly anxious about whether they can meet their child's nutritional needs.
This week, Groundwork Ohio partnered with the Center for Community Solutions and the Children's Defense Fund-Ohio to release a fact sheet on the national baby formula shortage. The fact sheet provides families and community organizations with timely information and important resources in response to the growing crisis.
Farewell and Best Wishes to a Member of the Groundwork Ohio Team!
This week, we're bidding farewell to Chelsea Kiene, Groundwork Ohio's Director of Communications & Stakeholder Engagement. While we are sad to see Chelsea go, we congratulate her on her new role at The Columbus Foundation!
If you'd like to stay connected with Chelsea, you can contact her on LinkedIn. If you have a Groundwork Ohio request and aren't sure whom to contact, you can email our team at info@groundworkohio.org.
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