78 Jefferson Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215                                            
www.actionforchildren.org
Ashiko Hudson
ahudson@actionforchildren.org        
614-224-0222 ext. 170

Service Area:  Franklin, Delaware, Licking,Marion, and Union Counties

"Society is made, or remade, one generation to another. With the support of the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, we’ve been able to reach men who have a critical role to play in transforming society…by reconnecting with their children and playing the critical role they WANT to play in the lives of our youngest citizens."            CEO, Action for Children

Founded in 1972, Action Action For Children is a private, not-for-profit organization, in Columbus, Ohio and operate a satellite office in Madison county. The organization partners with agencies in surrounding Fairfield, Licking, and Pickaway counties to provide services throughout central Ohio's seven-county region.

Mission: 

To transform the lives of children by supporting, empowering and advocating for the adults who make the biggest impact on children’s lives – their parents, caregivers and teachers.

Core Values: 
Advocacy – We commit to lead the charge for increasing access to quality early childhood experiences, achieving outcomes that provide the strongest foundation for all members of our community.  We cannot do this alone, and the best advocates are the adults who care for and educate our children: their parents, other caregivers, and early childhood practitioners.  We will use our influence directly, and we will work to activate the power of other networks to fuel efforts to address this urgent need.  

Collaboration – Our kids deserve a community that works together. We can foster and sustain partnerships among child care and early learning providers, and within the wider nonprofit ecosystem and our community as a whole. We know that we are stronger when we partner with others to embrace a shared commitment toward enriching the lives of children, caregivers and families. 

Adaptability – The needs of the community will change. We must be responsive to these changes, drawing on our considerable collective expertise. To be successful today, and in the future, we must be continuous learners and encourage creativity and new ways of problem-solving. 

Respect and Compassion – We believe that achieving results is essential and we believe that the way in which we go about doing so is equally important. We take a strengths-based approach in our interactions, meeting others where they are and understanding together how to move forward. Ours will be a conscious effort to be inclusive of and to support the rich diversity of our community. 

Services: 
There are only 2,000 days between a child’s birth and their first day of Kindergarten. Every day, every moment matters. Whether you’re looking for child care or parenting classes, tips or resources for your child’s specific needs, Action for Children can help.
Choosing Child Care: Looking for child care for your infant, toddler, preschooler or school age child can be overwhelming. Every day we help parents just like you take the guess work out of choosing a quality child care setting that fits your family’s specific needs. Our services are free to families and all information obtained is kept confidential as we help you make the best decision possible.
Parenting Workshops: Action for Children offers classes and group discussion sessions for parents and guardians of children of all ages, from pregnancy to adult. Classes and sessions are designed to provide: parenting skills enrichment; support and help to single mothers or fathers; tips for parents going through a divorce; support and resources for parents working with the legal or social services systems. Offerings include:
• Father Factor
• Mothers Matter
• Parents Who Parent Separately
• The Art of Positive Parenting
• Family Asset Building
• Putting the Children First (divorce or dissolution required seminar)

SPARK:  Action for Children’s SPARK Columbus program can help you get your child ready for kindergarten by building reading, language, and social skills that will help create a seamless transition into school. Each month, a SPARK Columbus Parent Partner will guide you on how to become your child’s first and best teacher. Serving children 3-5 in Franklin County.

How can Fathers participate?

Children are more successful when their fathers are involved. Learn how you can connect with your children and help them reach their full potential. Assistance with child support and parenting time is available through this eight-week program, which also provides a connection to community resources for fathers. For more information, please contact Ashiko Hudson at 614-224-0222 ext. 170 or  ahudson@actionforchildren.org.

2019 Commission Meeting Dates:  Feb.14, May 9, July 11, Sept. 12, and Nov. 14.  

All of the  commission meetings are from 10AM to noon in the Riffe Tower in downtown Columbus.  If you would like to attend a commission meeting, please contact Terri Simons at 614-752-0182.  Click the highlighted text to learn more about the commission meetings.