COLUMBUS — A recent panel event organized by Groundwork Ohio’s Women’s Coalition highlighted urgent childcare issues, featuring Shelby County Commissioner Julie Ehemann alongside five other prominent female leaders from across Ohio.
The panelists included:
- Vanice Williams, Toledo City Councilmember
- Elizabeth Brown, President and CEO of YWCA Columbus
- Kimberly Lee Minor, CEO of Woman of Color Retail Alliance
- Liz Keating, member of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
The discussion aimed to explore innovative strategies to address the childcare crisis. Commissioner Ehemann brought a perspective focused on the challenges faced in rural communities, contrasting with the more urban viewpoints of her fellow panelists. “The other panelists had a more urban perspective on how individuals need childcare subsidies in order to be able to work,” Ehemann noted. “While my focus tends to be more on the lack of availability, the urban areas have moved on to focus on the lack of affordability.”
Throughout the discussion, Ehemann shared her personal experience finding quality childcare as a former pharmacist and the difficulties she encountered. “I needed reliable childcare just as everyone else, and oftentimes it is not available,” she remarked.
In her current role, Ehemann is actively involved in several initiatives aimed at improving childcare access within Shelby County. Her efforts include:
- Establishing a childcare facility in the lower level of the county nursing home.
- Utilizing ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to train childcare providers and promote new home and center-based care.
- Collaborating with local entities, including a nearby village, two major manufacturing companies, and the county YMCA, to develop a new childcare center in a location that is currently underserved.
In closing, Ehemann emphasized the importance of such discussions for making meaningful change. “For all of us, there are hurdles to overcome to have childcare for our families and our communities. However, forums such as this can help facilitate the discussions that can lead to change,” she stated.
