Strengthening Early Childhood through Family Voice and Community Collaboration

October 12, 2026

Original coverage in the Eureka Hometown Voice by Wendy Gillmore.

Families and communities thrive when children have access to strong Early Childhood systems. Families with young children are connected to many parts of our community. They rely on child care, schools, health care, local organizations, libraries, and park districts, just to name a few. When all of these “parts” works together, families have a strong support network.

Birth to Five Illinois: Region 53 is working to build stronger connections in community, to look at what is working well, where families face challenges, and how we all can work together to make raising young children a little easier. 

Most of this work begins in our Family Council and Action Council. Our Councils are made up of community leaders, providers, and caregivers that know their own family experiences best, and want to make the community a better place to raise children. 

No single person or agency can crush the barriers families face when trying to access resources and supports. However, when we all connect and identify attainable solutions, we start chipping away at those barriers. Collaboration allows us to connect the dots.

Soon, our new Action and Family Council members will begin identifying a new Early Childhood Recommendation to work on. This is an exciting time for community members to connect with us to share their Early Childhood stories and experiences so we can make an impact. 

So, let’s connect! You can share your family’s story with us directly through our Contact Us link or the Family and Community Stories section on the Birth to Five Illinois website at www.birthtofiveil.com.