The Impact Edition: May 2025

The Impact Edition

May 2025

A Journey of Growth: Salok's Story

When Salok joined the SPARK program in August 2024, his eyes brimmed with curiosity and an eagerness to learn. But beneath that enthusiasm lay a quiet struggle—his ability to express himself through words was limited. His Parent Partner, Shannon, quickly noticed that he often communicated by pointing at objects rather than speaking. It was clear that words felt just out of reach, and expressing his thoughts verbally was a challenge. Read More

ECRC in the News:

The Business Journal

On May 14, the Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC) hosted a community breakfast in Mahoning County to discuss the current landscape of child care in the Mahoning Valley.

The event convened business leaders, policymakers, and other community stakeholders to address pressing challenges impacting our region's workforce, emphasizing the critical role child care plays in workforce development and family support.

Following the event, ECRC Director of Early Care and Education Maria Spencer spoke further with The Business Journal about the direct impact child care has on workforce stability and the region's overall economy.

View the full interview here to learn how a lack of access to affordable, high quality child care options affects families and employers, as well as what the Early Childhood Resource Center is doing to support mutually beneficial solutions to this current child care crisis.

Night at the Ballpark

Akron RubberDucks FUNdraiser

The next event in our series of 25th anniversary celebrations is on deck, and the Early Childhood Resource Center team is calling you up to help in a major way. Rally your family, friends, and coworkers, and join us for a Night at the Ballpark on Tuesday, June 24 at Canal Park in Akron.

We're teaming up with the Akron RubberDucks to raise support for our SPARK kindergarten readiness program—and we’re inviting you to join the lineup. For just $10 per ticket, you and your crew can enjoy an evening of minor league baseball, with a portion of all sales benefiting the ECRC. Plus, it’s T-shirt giveaway night at the ballpark, so all fans will score a little extra team spirit with their ticket. Tickets are limited, so purchase yours now!

Special shoutout to our PRESENTING SPONSOR, Employers Health:

Purchase Tickets

Interested in sponsoring or donating a family 4-pack of tickets to a SPARK Family to attend?

Contact Holly Claus: hclaus@ecresourcenter.org

Help Make A Positive Impact In Our Community

Through the support of individuals like you, we are proud to offer programming, resources, trainings, and referrals in the following counties: Portage, Mahoning, Medina, Stark, Summit, and Trumbull.

Donate Today

Visit www.ecresourcecenter.org/25years

to learn more about upcoming 25th Anniversary celebration events.

Early Childhood Resource Center

A Child Care Resource and Referral Agency

proudly serving Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, and Trumbull counties.

Visit our website ecresourcecenter.org or call 330-491-3272