News and Notes From Invest in Children - July 2023
Ohio Biennial Budget Wrap-Up
Competing Priorities and Compromise
Thank you to all of the early childhood advocates and concerned citizens who made their voices heard during the tumultuous state budget process. Governor DeWine had proposed big new invest-ments in programs that support young families. In the end, the legislature trimmed back this vision, and the result contained both victories and losses for advocates.

Invest in Children attended events, visited legislators, delivered testimony, rallied providers and families, and signed onto coalition letters. Other local early childhood leaders like PRE4CLE and Starting Point did the same. While we didn't get everything we sought, we collectively honed our ability to coordinate and collaborate, and we are stronger for having fought.

Groundwork Ohio has prepared a short summary of the early childhood related budget outcomes that can be viewed using the button below.
FamilySpace Program at South Euclid Site Draws Big Crowd
The FamilySpace location in South Euclid served an astounding 107 participants in one day on Thursday, May 4th. In what was the program's biggest day so far, 44 adults came and brought 63 children -- most in the one to four age range. The participants reflected a diverse group of caregivers, including Dads, Moms, Aunts, Nannies, and Grandparents.

FamilySpace is a weekly time and space in select local libraries where families with young children can come together to connect with other families going through similar experiences to play, learn, and grow together. 
Cuyahoga County Public Library

Garfield Heights Branch
5409 Turney Rd., Garfield Heights
216-475-8178
Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. to Noon


South Euclid - Lyndhurst Branch
1876 S. Green Road, South Euclid
216-382-4880
Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. to Noon
City of Cleveland Public Library

Carnegie West Branch
1900 Fulton Rd, Cleveland
216-623-6927
Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fridays: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


Hough Branch
6530 Lexington Ave., Cleveland, OH 216-623-6927
Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
FamilySpace is a collaborative effort of Invest in Children, United Way of Greater Cleveland, Cuyahoga County Public Library, City of Cleveland Public Library and Family Connections.
Reach out and Read Seeking Strategic Consultant
Reach out and Read (ROR) is seeking a strategic consultant to help lead the development of a ROR affiliate in Ohio. The consultant will report to the Chief Operating Officer (and collaborate closely with the Development and Program Operations Teams), to help shape the future direction of ROR in Ohio. 

Reach Out and Read has been implemented in Ohio since 1996, with the flagship site at Dayton Children’s Pediatrics paving the way for future expansion of the program across the state. Reach Out and Read now serves children at 178 clinical locations in Ohio. ROR sites range from small community clinics to large Health Systems and serve a diverse population across the state, primarily targeted at serving children and families in high-need areas.
Cuyahoga County Office of Early Childhood
Invest in Children