Center for Public Justice

Fatherhood and Paid Family Leave: It’s Not Just for Mothers

When we talk about paid family leave, it’s easy to think it’s only for mothers. But fathers, your role is just as crucial, and paid family leave is for you too.

Studies show that fathers who take time off after the birth of a child are more likely to stay actively involved in their child's life long-term. This early bonding strengthens the father-child relationship and supports the overall health and well-being of your family.

Paid family leave isn't just a benefit—it's an essential right that allows you to be present during these critical early moments. Whether it's holding your newborn for the first time, supporting your partner, or simply being there, these are the moments that matter most.

Fathers, take advantage of paid family leave. It's your time too—time to bond, support, and build the foundation of your family.

📣 It needed to be said, so we’re saying it:

Paid family leave is essential for both family and workplace stability. It allows employees to care for their loved ones without the fear of losing their job or financial security.

A stable family life creates a more focused and productive workforce. This reduces turnover and benefits businesses.

Paid family leave isn’t just a policy—it’s a crucial investment in a thriving society.

These points highlight why paid family leave is so important and why it’s an issue worth championing.

K.J. Ramsey reminds us, ' Courage is the choice to move our fear into communion.’ But how do we genuinely lean into the community when fear and anxiety hold us back from engaging with our neighbors on the issues that affect our lives?

Elections and political strife have divided families, split churches, and isolated neighbors, but it doesn’t have to stay this way.

It's up to us to break the silence and avoid this issue. We have the power to change the narrative.

Join the Center for Public Justice’s Families Valued team on September 25th for our fall Community Call with Shannan Martin, author of Start with Hello, as we explore how to turn fear into communion and engage more deeply with our communities.

Let’s work together to break down barriers and foster unity.

Reserve your spot today: https://cpjustice.org/event/community-call-neighboring-with-courage/

One month left until the release of the Hatfield Prize! In the meantime, we’ll be spotlighting the work of our amazing scholars. Jackson’s research will definitely be worth the wait!

Paid Family Leave is Pro-Family and Pro-Community

When we talk about paid family leave, it’s not just about the individual—it’s about strengthening our entire society. Families are the cornerstone of healthy communities, and when we protect family time and caregiving, we ensure the well-being of everyone.

From newborns to aging relatives, paid leave is a policy that uplifts us all.

One simple policy change could strengthen families and communities—discover how paid leave makes a difference.

This is why we are working hard to champion policies for the family and community.

Follow us to learn how you can make a difference.

Our newsletter is dropping tomorrow, and we're diving into an important conversation you may have seen in the news: the role and value of childless women.

At CPJ, we believe every woman, whether she has children or not, is an image-bearer, created in the image of God. Jesus welcomed women into His ministry in various roles—friends, hosts, and more. We affirm that women, with or without children, have intrinsic worth and are valued members of families. We don’t assume to know why a woman doesn’t have children, but we know her worth is undeniable.

Stay tuned and sign up today for our newsletter 👉 https://cpjustice.org/newsletters/

Paid family leave is more than just a policy for mothers or new parents—it’s a lifeline for caregivers.

Whether you're caring for an aging parent or a sick spouse, paid family leave ensures you can support your loved ones without risking your job or financial security.

Let’s recognize the value of every caregiving role in our society.

Follow us to learn more about the importance of paid family leave and how you can support this crucial cause.

Strong families are the cornerstone of our community.

Your involvement makes a difference!

Let’s uplift each other and ensure every family gets the support they need.

Together, we can foster a community where everyone thrives.

🔗 Learn more about the Families Valued program and how it supports all families: https://cpjustice.org/what-we-do/families-valued/families-valued-family-supportive-policies-principles/

Living in an unjust system often tempts us to disengage or blend in. But as Dr. Mika Edmondson reminds us, we’re called to actively bring about God's justice. One powerful way to do this is by supporting Family-Supportive Policies, which promote justice and equity for all.

We can faithfully work toward a community where every family thrives by advocating for these policies. Let’s stand together in this mission.

Learn more about how these policies can make a transformative impact on our communities:

🔗 Watch: "God's Purpose for Families: Learning from Our Family Stories" https://youtu.be/JyU7mX_sbUE?si=wEpZTiH1HG4HgBcr

🌟 Exciting News! Paid Family Leave is gaining bipartisan traction! 🌟

Only recently, Paid Family Leave seemed stuck with no political future due to differing views. But things are changing, and here’s why it matters to everyone:

💼 Economic Stability: Ensures families don’t have to choose between their job and caring for a loved one, providing much-needed security.

👶 Healthy Families: Allows parents to bond with their newborns, crucial for both the child’s development and the parent’s well-being.

👩‍💼 Workforce Participation: Reduces financial and career penalties for taking family leave, especially supporting women in the workforce.

Be a part of this positive change! Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on the latest webinars and learn how you can support pro-family policies.

✨ Take Action Today: Sign up now and become a proactive force for change! 👉 https://cpjustice.org/newsletters/

Family-Supportive Policies are crucial for:

- Economic Stability: Helping families avoid financial hardship.
- Healthy Families: Allowing all family members to spend crucial time, strengthening their bond.
- Workforce Participation: Enabling family members, especially caregivers, to remain in the workforce.

These policies not only support your family but also strengthen our society. Practical policy-making is always complicated, but the cause of public justice is advanced when lawmakers and citizens name and work toward clear, core principles.

You can learn more about the impact of Family-Supportive Policies.

👉 https://cpjustice.org/what-we-do/families-valued/families-valued-family-supportive-policies-principles/

📣 Join CPJ!📣

The Center for Public Justice is hiring a Program Manager to support it's newest program, Church Reforming: Preaching for a Pluralistic Age, and oversee its day-to-day operations.

Learn more and apply today at cpjustice.org/careers/

📣 We're Hiring!📣
The Center for Public Justice is hiring an Operations Assistant to join CPJ in its mission to serve God by equipping citizens, developing leaders, and shaping policy to advance justice in the transformation of public life.
Learn more and apply today at cpjustice.org/careers/

🌟 Principles for Family-Supportive Policies 🌟

Family-supportive policies are designed to ensure families have the support they need to thrive. Practical policy-making can be complicated, but the cause of public justice, we believe, is advanced when lawmakers and citizens name and work toward clear, core principles. Here are some of CPJ’s. 💪

Learn more about how these policies work and why they’re essential for our society. 👉 https://cpjustice.org/what-we-do/families-valued/families-valued-family-supportive-policies-principles/

Start the countdown! The Hatfield Prize report is being published in just under 2 months. In the meantime, meet our student faculty pairs from Wheaton College, Grove City College, and Baylor University who have been hard at work!

📣 Have you attended one of our webinars?

Join Madi as she hosts our Families Valued community calls.

Don't miss out on our next webinar, "Neighboring with Courage," with author and speaker Shannan Martin on September 25.

Think you're too busy? Our webinars fit into your schedule, offering valuable content that makes every minute worth it. ⏰

Learn to support families and influence public policy with expert insights. 💡

Register 👉 https://cpjustice.org/event/community-call-neighboring-with-courage/

Black women in the US face a maternal mortality rate 2.6 times higher than white women. This isn't just a statistic—it's a crisis that needs our attention. 🌍❤️

When we ensure equitable healthcare for Black mothers, we create a healthier society for everyone. 👫

Take Action:

1. Learn More: Understand the causes of these disparities.
2. Spread Awareness: Share this message.
3. Advocate: Support policies for equal access to quality care. 🗣️📢

Your voice matters. Sign up for our Families Valued newsletter to learn how we can ensure equitable healthcare for Black mothers.

👉 https://cpjustice.org/newsletters/

Drop a 💕 to show your commitment to supporting equitable healthcare for Black mothers.

Now is the time to support our communities and encourage abundant life. 🌟

Want an abundant life for your community? Drop a 🌱 if you do!

Watch our webinar titled "Creating a Pro Family Public Policy Agenda" with Cherilyn Holloway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI3YFUxILj0&list=PLP4PTslpO7LXHRQ36fV0duNxfDsWW6YmF&index=2&t=668s

The Center for Public Justice is seeking to hire two individuals to join CPJ in its mission to serve God by equipping citizens, developing leaders, and shaping policy to advance justice in the transformation of public life.

We have two exciting opportunities:

Operations Assistant: Are you detail-oriented and love solving problems? We're seeking someone to streamline our administration, payroll, and internal and external operations.

Program Manager for Church Reforming: Preaching for a Pluralistic Age: Do you have a passion for cultivating faithful practices in aspiring and active preachers? Support our new program and make a meaningful impact.

Follow the link to learn more and apply now: https://cpjustice.org/get-involved/careers/

Imagine the joy of family members spending precious moments with their newborns, or caretakers being able to support an aging parent or ill relative, knowing their family is fully supported. That’s the power of Paid Family Leave, and YOU can help make it happen! 💖

Download the CPJ Paid Family Leave Advocacy Toolkit to get step-by-step guidance on advocating for policies that support families. 📥

Inside, you’ll find:

- Biblical & statistical reasons for paid leave
- Templates for reaching out to lawmakers
- Tips for community campaigns
- Strategies for engaging representatives

Let’s stand together for stronger, healthier families! 💪❤️

Download the toolkit now!https://cpjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CPJPaidFamilyLeaveAdvocacyToolkit.pdf

Welcoming a new life should be joyful, not fearful. But many mothers face gaps and inequalities in healthcare that put them and their children at risk.

Scripture calls us to care for the vulnerable (Exodus 22:22, Isaiah 1:17). When mothers from all walks of life are invisible in policymaking, so are their children. We must change this.

35 states have expanded Medicaid to cover 12 months postpartum. But more needs to be done. We must advocate for policies that include paid leave, workplace flexibility, and comprehensive care.

Let’s honor the dignity of every mother and child. This is a justice, family, and faith issue.

🌸 Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on Family Valued news and learn how you can make a difference. Your voice matters!

👉 https://cpjustice.org/newsletters/

🛑 Did you know only 27% of U.S. workers have access to paid family leave? 🛑

🤱 Moms and single parents, this one's for you. Balancing a newborn and job security shouldn’t be this hard. Paid family leave is not just a perk; it’s essential for family bonding, health, and financial stability.

Let’s fight for better support! 💪

If you believe in the importance of paid family leave, drop a ❤️ and join us in advocating for change.

Read more here: https://cpjustice.org/what-we-do/families-valued/families-valued-the-case-for-paid-family-leave/

📅 Save the Date: September 25!

Join us for the Community Call: Neighboring with Courage featuring Shannan Martin, author and speaker. As we approach the election year, let's tackle fear and division with courage and community.

Register today! 👉 https://cpjustice.org/event/community-call-neighboring-with-courage/

Did you know the US doesn't guarantee paid family leave?
It's time for change.

The US doesn't guarantee paid family leave, but it’s crucial for families. Here’s why it matters:

Stronger Families: Paid family leave allows essential family bonding time.

Child Development: Ensures parents can care for their newborns during critical early months.

Health Benefits: Linked to healthier pregnancies and lower infant mortality rates.

Equality: Helps low-income families who lack the resources for unpaid leave.

Economic Boost: Companies with paid leave see better employee retention and morale.

While some states have enacted paid family leave programs, 35 states still lack one.

Get involved: If you are from Texas or North Carolina and passionate about paid family leave, drop a comment below to get started!

At Families Valued, we help families flourish by promoting public policies and supporting families through workplace practices.

Our core belief is that families are the foundation of healthy communities and caregiving is valuable work.

We advocate for paid family leave, improved maternal health access, and a diverse child care ecosystem.

Discover how our initiatives make a difference and why they matter. Read more about our impact and principles: https://cpjustice.org/what-we-do/families-valued/

Ever wonder how families can thrive in today's fast-paced world? At Families Valued, a program from CPJ, we believe that every family deserves to flourish. Our mission is to support policies that honor the dignity of work and family life.

Join us on this journey to promote faith- and family-friendly policies that help communities thrive. 🌟

👉 Discover more at www.cpjustice.org/familiesvalued

Faith in Child Care: Key Insights

In Georgia and Massachusetts, faith influences child care significantly! 🌟

📊 Of those surveyed, 20% of programs incorporate religious practices or are faith-motivated, though only 6% are officially faith-affiliated.

📊 Protestant traditions like Baptist, non-denominational, and Pentecostal are commonly found among these providers. The faith traditions most commonly present in child care settings likely relate to faith traditions prevalent in the region.

📊 28% of providers in religious buildings don’t pay rent, allowing more funds for quality care.

Understanding these trends helps families and policymakers make informed decisions.

👉 Discover more about faith in child care! Download the full study: https://cpjustice.org/what-we-do/families-valued/research-report-faith-in-child-care-settings/