Key findings from the 2025 Randolph County Family and Community Survey
Every year, we ask Randolph County families to tell us what life is really like — what’s hard, what’s missing, and what would help. For the 2025 Randolph County family survey, over 45 people shared their voices. The results from the survey has guided our plan for the work we do in the year ahead. Here are the three things that stood out most.
Getting enough food is harder than it looks
Food was the most talked-about challenge in our 2025 survey. Families described spending less than $200 a month on groceries, gas, and diapers combined — after paying rent and bills. Many said they earn just enough to be turned away from food programs, but not enough to make ends meet.
This is not a small problem. When families are worried about food, everything else gets harder — including being present and engaged with young children during those all-important early years.
RPC is working with community partners to connect more families to food resources. If your family needs support, call or text 211 any time — day or night — to find food pantries, SNAP enrollment help, and more in Randolph County.
Child care is out of reach for too many families
Affordable child care was the second major theme. Many families told us they had trouble finding care they could afford, and many are still feeling the loss of all the centers that have closed in recent years.
The numbers tell a powerful story: research shows that for every $1 invested in quality early care and education, $13 is saved in future costs — through better school readiness, less need for intervention, and stronger workforce participation. But families can’t wait for the long-term math. They need care now.
RPC advocates for more affordable child care options in Randolph County and can connect families with subsidy and voucher programs through the Department of Social Services (DSS). Reach out to us to learn more.
Getting where you need to go is a barrier
Transportation came up again and again in the 2025 survey. For families without a car — or with only one car shared between adults working different shifts — getting to appointments, child care, work, and community programs can feel impossible.
When transportation is a barrier, families miss doctor visits, program enrollment windows, and miss out on events designed to support them. This matters most for the youngest children, whose early experiences shape everything that comes after.
If transportation is a challenge for your family, Regional Coordinated Area Transportation System (RCATS) may be able to help. We’re also working with partners to bring more services directly into neighborhoods through programs like Adventures on the Go!
These findings matter — and so does your voice. This year, the 2026 Family and Community Survey is open June – July 15. It takes just a few minutes and helps us understand what Randolph County families need right now. The more people who respond, the stronger the picture we can paint for our community.
Randolph County children are our shared responsibility. And every child deserves to thrive by five. Thank you for being part of the conversation.