Too many of Northeast Ohio's kids struggle with much more than the usual challenges of growing up. They face disadvantages in everything from housing to health care, from education to extra-curriculars.
Fortunately, many wonderful people and numerous public and private organizations are working hard to give our children hope and life - and to build brighter futures as these young people grow up to become the decision makers, workers, parents and leaders of our communities.
It was on this premise that in 2004, Kidsohio.org, Voices for Ohio's Children, Center for Families and Children, Forest City Enterprises, Inc. and WKYC-TV, together with several other partners, collaborated to plan, produce and broadcast a prime-time television special to raise awareness, particularly among the business community, about issues affecting children in Northeast Ohio. Since then, three specials have followed, each taking an in-depth look at a different aspect of the need and featuring effective programs that are making a difference.
From those efforts, Positively Kids! emerged. It's a year-round initiative that utilizes television specials and exciting new means to create greater awareness and encourage community support of programs serving children throughout Northeast Ohio.