Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Tressel Announce Nearly $20 Million to Support Young Families and
Advance Infant Health
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) Director Kara Wente today announced nearly $20 million over the biennium in grants to 21 nonprofit organizations across the state through the Ohio Parenting and Pregnancy Program. These grants will connect expectant parents and caregivers to education, support, and trusted local services—giving more Ohio babies a healthy start in life.
The announcement comes as Ohio marks a significant improvement in infant health outcomes.
“Ohio’s infant mortality rate is the lowest it’s been in two decades—6.6 per 1,000 live births,” said Governor DeWine. “That’s a sign that our investments in supporting families—before, during, and after pregnancy—are working. But we must keep going because every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong.”
Through a competitive application process, DCY selected 21 grantees to deliver prenatal education, parenting classes, case management, referrals, and material assistance tailored to the needs of their local communities. These efforts are part of the DeWine-Tressel Administration’s broader mission to reduce infant mortality and ensure every child in Ohio has the opportunity to live up to their God-given potential.
“We are continuing our investment in the health and future of Ohio’s families,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “These grants will support organizations that provide critical services to women and families during and after pregnancy, helping ensure every child has a strong start and every parent has access to the support they need.”
“This investment reflects our commitment to strong families and healthy communities,” said Director Wente. “By supporting parents early—often before their child is even born—we’re helping them build the skills, confidence, and stability they need to raise thriving children. And by working with community-based organizations across Ohio, we’re meeting families where they are with practical, meaningful support.”
Together, the 21 grantees will reach thousands of Ohio families with services tailored to the unique needs of their communities. Grantees include:
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A Step in the Right Direction – Columbus
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Aim Women’s Center – Steubenville
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Baby University – Toledo
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Bowling Green Pregnancy Center – Bowling Green
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Chasing Hope House – Columbus
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Choosing Hope Adoptions – Springfield
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Compassion Health Toledo – Toledo
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Cornerstone Pregnancy Services DBA Cornerstone Women’s Health Center & Lilli Women’s Center – Elyria
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Elizabeth’s New Life Center, Inc. – Dayton
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Family Life Center of Auglaize County – Wapakoneta
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Heartbeat of Lima County, Inc. – Lima
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Hope, Love, and Dream, Inc. – Columbus
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Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio – Toledo
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It’s Not a Moment, But a Movement – Copley
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Motivated and Empowered Inc. – Olmsted Falls
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PDHC (Pregnancy Decision Health Centers) – Columbus
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Pregnancy Resource Center of Athens County – Athens
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Pregnancy Support Network – Canton
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Refuge Host Homes – Cuyahoga Falls
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The CORE Center (DBA Pregnancy Resource of Delaware County) – Delaware
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Women’s Care Center Inc. – Columbus
These organizations provide critical, community-based services that empower young families—helping ensure that every child in Ohio has the opportunity to grow and thrive.
Now entering its second decade, the Parenting and Pregnancy Program continues to be a cornerstone of Ohio’s efforts to strengthen families, promote parenting, and build long-term stability for young children and their caregivers. This year’s increase in funding was made possible through support from the Ohio General Assembly, which approved Governor DeWine's request for increased investment in the program as part of the current state operating budget.
Additional Media Contact:
Ohio Department of Children and Youth
Jodi Norton Trimble, Chief Communications Officer
614-582-0827
[email protected]
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