For nearly 50 years, Child Action, Inc. has been the primary conduit for subsidized child care in Sacramento County, providing families access to essential services and early childhood development programs. As the organization looks to 2025 and beyond, its mission to ensure accessible, affordable and high-quality child care remains critical.
“It truly takes a village to raise a child and that village extends far beyond just parents,” says Adonai Mack, Child Action, Inc.’s CEO. “We’re talking about employers, government entities and entire communities working together to ensure families and children have the resources they need to thrive. Imagine a world where employers champion family-friendly policies, creating workplaces that truly support their teams. Picture governments prioritizing child care with bold investments and meaningful policy reforms. Envision communities coming together to ensure every family can access affordable, high-quality care. Together, we can create a society where families thrive, children shine and our shared future grows stronger. Let’s make it happen.”
Child Action, Inc. has long recognized that child care is not just a family issue but a cornerstone of community prosperity. “When families aren’t spending their entire paychecks on child care and housing, they have more income to contribute to the local economy,” Chief Strategy Officer Blake Johnson explains. “Access to affordable, quality child care strengthens families, supports businesses, drives economic growth and helps create thriving communities. Quality child care impacts everything.”
In addition to providing subsidies and referrals, Child Action, Inc. builds child care capacity in the county. Through federal, state and local funding, it recruits providers, supplies resources and delivers professional training in early childhood practices. For parents and providers, these efforts include play days, where children develop important social and problem-solving skills, and Parent Cafés, where attendees address the challenges of raising and caring for children.
As they enter their next chapter, Child Action, Inc. is hopeful and enthusiastic about future partnerships and collaborations. “We believe every connection can create new opportunities for the families we serve,” says Communications Officer Iris Murillo. This collaborative spirit drives their mission, emphasizing that strong communities are built on shared resources and support. The organization plans to work with lawmakers and community partners to advance policies in 2025 for greater affordable child care access and funding, leveraging decades of experience to shape policy.
Child Action, Inc.’s efforts underscore the integral role of child care in community development. The organization invites more community members, business leaders, elected officials and philanthropists to join its mission.
“Whether you’re a parent, an employer or simply a concerned citizen, there’s a place for you in this work,” Adonai says. “Collectively, we can build a future where every child has access to the care and education they deserve and every family has the support they need to thrive and prosper.”
As Sacramento looks to the future, Child Action, Inc. stands as a harbinger of better days and a model for community-driven change, proving that when it comes to child care, it truly does take a village.
