Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub
Connecting Oregon parents and young children to critical resources
The Challenge
Oregon is home to more than 250,000 children under the age of 5. Alarmingly, more than half face serious risk factors – poverty, food insecurity, domestic conflict, unsafe housing, abuse – that can significantly impact healthy development. Research shows that access to early learning opportunities and support services can dramatically improve outcomes for children and their families.
When the Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub approached WPR to help launch and promote their work, we saw a clear opportunity to raise awareness of critical resources and help more Oregon families connect with the support they need to thrive.
The Goal and Strategy
We began by listening. Through a series of in-depth sessions with parents and community partners, we gained valuable insights into the barriers families face, and the most effective ways to share information about local programs and support services. These conversations shaped every aspect of our communications approach and ensured that parents and caregivers remained at the center of this work.
Our learnings informed a comprehensive marketing and communications plan that included:
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Key message development shaped by direct input from families and frontline partners
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A new brand visual identity, including a logo, color palette and supporting iconography
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The design and build of two user-friendly websites:
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ParentingHub.org – a centralized overview of Hub programs and services
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PreschoolHub.org – a searchable database of local preschools to help families find the right fit
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Bilingual content development across digital and print channels – including ads, social media, email campaigns and brochures – to increase visibility and expand access
20K
Annual visits to parentinghub.org
1,800+
Parents signed up for their e-newsletter
450
Text subscribers
2,500+
Followers on social media
The Results
According to Kids Count Data Center, in 2020 there were more than 26,500 children under age 5 in Marion County and over 5,500 in Polk County – a powerful reminder of how many families stand to benefit from accessible, trusted early learning resources.
Today, ParentingHub.org sees nearly 20,000 visits a year, with more than 1,800 parents subscribed to the quarterly newsletter, 420 families engaged through the Hub’s texting program, and more than 2,500 social media followers staying connected to resources and updates.
Thanks to a coordinated outreach campaign and strong partnerships with early learning providers, the Hub has significantly increased preschool enrollment across Marion and Polk counties – ensuring more children are entering the classroom ready to learn, and more families are connected to the support they need.
Dual-Language Marketing Brochures
Working with the team at WPR has been a true partnership and a genuinely positive experience. They took the time to understand who we are and helped us tell our story in a way that reflects both our mission and our heart. Their thoughtful approach, creativity, and professionalism made the process seamless and enjoyable. The results have elevated how we share our story, connect families with resources, and highlight the important work happening across the Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub region."
Lisa Harnisch
Executive Director, Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub
