There is Hope in the Struggle – By Samantha Balentyne

We have been very blessed and have not had any issues with child care in our community. That doesn’t mean there isn’t any. I know of so many parents that can’t get into quality child care because it doesn’t exist, and the ones that do have 2-5 year waitlists. If it wasn’t for so many local non-profits and organizations like Birth to Five Illinois, so many more parents would be hurting in a broken system.

Being a part of some of these local non-profits before becoming a stay-at-home mom has helped me see the struggles of others and not be blind to it but rather be a voice to help make a change. I’ve been so blessed to be a part of our local Birth to Five Illinois Family Council and all we have accomplished in the last few years. I know they will continue to do amazing work at the local and state level, fighting for parents that need child care, mental health resources, and more!