Richland First Steps launches 2025 Community Needs & Resource Survey

Richland First Steps is inviting community members to share their voices in the 2025 Community Needs & Resource Survey. 

The survey will help the organization better understand the needs of families across Richland County and guide future services and resources that support young children and their families. The survey will remain open through September 30, 2025.

Richland First Steps is your local partner in early childhood education for Richland County’s children age 0 to 5 years old. For 25 years, the organization has worked to ensure that every child in Richland County has the opportunity to thrive, providing programs that promote school readiness, parenting support, early literacy, and access to quality childcare.

Elizabeth Kabalka, who became Executive Director in April 2025, emphasized the importance of community participation in shaping the organization’s future:

“I am honored to be the new executive director of Richland First Steps,” Kabalka said. “Since April, I have had the privilege of joining a dedicated team that has spent the past 25 years ensuring every child in Richland County enters school ready to succeed. Now we are charting the course for the next 25 years, and we need the community’s voice and support.”

The survey is open to all Richland County residents and takes just a few minutes to complete. Responses are confidential. As a thank you, local residents who are willing to provide their contact information will be entered into a gift card raffle.

To take the survey before September 30, visit: Survey Link

Richland First Steps is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and your local partner in early childhood education, helping children ages 0–5 in Richland County enter school ready to succeed. For more than 25 years, we’ve supported families with parenting programs, early learning, health services, and community partnerships that build a strong foundation for lifelong success. For more information, visit RichlandFirstSteps.org.