This month, as students across Ohio return to school, I’m reminded that many critical investments in children happen outside of the classroom. Every child deserves the chance to walk into school feeling safe, supported, and ready to learn. But for too many families, the biggest obstacles to a child's success are found in housing instability, unsafe relationships, barriers to childcare, problems accessing special education, or the financial stress that comes with living paycheck to paycheck.
While many people think of Legal Aid as helping adults, much of our work is about helping children thrive.
When a bureaucratic hurdle prevented single mother Samantha from receiving childcare assistance, LASCO stepped in to resolve the issue. With affordable care in place, she could keep working while her children remained in a safe, reliable learning environment.
For another family, having Legal Aid at the table during school meetings made all the difference. After their son with disabilities struggled to adjust to a new school, our attorney worked with the family and educators to create a transition plan tailored to his needs.
Our impact also reaches beyond individual families. When a Chillicothe community center that provides meals, childcare, and youth programs for hundreds of children faced an unnecessary tax burden, LASCO secured an exemption that gave the center additional dollars for services for children.
And when a mother of three escaped an abusive marriage, we helped her secure a custody arrangement that put her children's education first. By ensuring that they lived with her during the school week, she could provide the routine and stability they needed to get to school every day.
Every case is different, but the outcome is the same: when families have an advocate, children have a better chance to succeed.
That is what Legal Aid does. We don't just solve legal problems. We create opportunities. We restore hope. And together with our clients, we help build the strong foundations every child deserves.
As another school year begins, thank you for standing with us. Together, we're helping ensure more children start the year with the stability, safety, and support they need to learn, grow, and dream bigger.
