Finding hope and things to be thankful for amid the pandemic. Let’s just admit it…The past eight months have been hard. Whether you “paused” life plans, couldn’t pause because you are an essential worker, were laid off, are homeschooling for the first time,...
Why We Are Failing Working Moms
Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has carried-on for the majority of 2020, analysts are beginning to see the deep, more-than-likely decades long repercussions of this global and national disaster. Among them, and the most concerning, is childcare and how this undervalued industry...
COVID-19, Jobs & Childcare: What it means for Parents & Providers
Ohio is one of 28 states where childcare can amount to the equivalent of in-state college tuition. Let that sink in for a second. Individuals right here in our community are struggling to pay their rent or mortgage, keep the utilities on, purchase...
Best of 2019: Because Change Doesn’t Happen Alone
We have come to the close of an impactful year! Thousands of needs were met through 211 calls, meal and hygiene kit builds, backpack builds, our funded partners’ unique services and so much more! Read on for stories that highlight...
A Fair Shot: Advocating for a Young Student’s Disability Rights
Our daughter, Hailey, is sitting in the back seat, humming along to whatever made-up song is playing in her mind. She looks like any seven-year-old girl. “You wouldn’t know it to look at her,” people have said, referring to her cognitive disability....
Packing an Impact: A Tool for Academic Success
Deanna Johnson anxiously stood at the check-in desk, waiting to receive her student ID for her freshman year at Owens Community College. The process may seem simple - possibly even a burden - to most, but it was a big...
A New Day of Hope: Affordable Child Care Solutions to Help Families Succeed
Exhaustion. That is the only word I could think of to explain how I felt walking into my Granny’s house that night. The day had begun bright and early, with an interior paint job in West Toledo. My next job took me to...
Finding Superhero Powers: Early Education Support for both Parents and Children
Looking at my sweet son Jamile pretending to be superhero as he “flies” across the room, one would never suspect he has a learning disability. Yet he does. And, if anyone understands what this hurdle is like it’s me. In fact, it’s...
The Last Pencil: Having Supplies for our Students
“Mrs. Thompson!” shouted Louis in a very disgruntled tone. His little arms crossed, barely able to see over my desk. “What’s wrong? Why the long face?” I said with a smile. He took a deep breath, “My pencil broke and it’s the last one...
A Path to Success: Finding Potential From A Big Brother
Three years ago, I was really struggling, feeling unmotivated and honestly… I felt worthless. In addition to my school studies, I was responsible for taking care of my aging and disabled grandmother, who suffered from heart disease and COPD. There was so much...