Child poses at YMCA Mansfield child care center Credit: Katie Ellington Serrao

You can help us close the final gap in our funding for It Takes a Village through a one-time, tax-deductible gift. And all contributions made before July 31st will be instantly doubled.

Across Richland, Ashland and Knox counties, families are facing a crisis: quality, affordable child care is out of reach for too many.

Parents are being forced to leave the workforce. Employers are struggling to fill jobs. And young children are missing out on the early learning opportunities they need to thrive.

That’s why we launched It Takes a Village — a bold, months-long reporting project from Richland Source, Ashland Source and Knox Pages. We’re digging into the true scope of the child care crisis, investigating what’s working in other communities and giving local families, providers and employers a voice in the search for solutions.

Thanks to the incredible support of local partners, we’re able to make this series free to read for everyone – because stories that shape our future should be accessible to the whole community.

With 90% of the project already funded, we’re inviting you — our readers, neighbors, and fellow community members — to help us place the final block.

Our goal: Raise $4,000 by July 31 to fully fund the series.

All donations will be matched – dollar for dollar.

Your one-time gift (not a subscription!) will help fund:

  • In-depth investigations into child care access
  • Community conversations and public events
  • Ongoing reporting that seeks answers, not just problems 

This is local journalism with purpose. And we can’t do it without you. 

If you believe that child care is everyone’s business, now’s the time to act.

Join the village. Double your impact. Help us finish strong.