Doulas of Douglas County Awarded Anti-Poverty and Family Stabilization Grant by United Way of Douglas County to Support BIPOC Mothers and Infants

The United States is one of few countries across the globe that does not have federal paid leave. Current policy leaves more than 80% of U.S. workers without any paid time off after the birth or adoption of a child. Paid time off is necessary and allows parents to focus on bonding with their child. Research shows that supportive paid parental leave policies can significantly improve the physical and mental health of mothers’ and their infants.

Black, Latinx and low-wage workers are disproportionately impacted by our nations lack of paid leave. Black and Brown Mothers are fighting to stay in the workforce, often with their needs for leave going unmet. 55% of parental leaves taken by Black women are unpaid and even when able to take leave with pay they aren’t receiving their full wages. For this group of women, a full-wage replacement while on leave can be the difference in taking what they truly need rather than the bare minimum. Not receiving pay or taking a significant pay cut can put Black and Brown families in precarious economic situations that have detrimental effects.

Through the Parent-Infant Bonding Project, birthing people served by Doulas of Douglas County may be eligible for up to 12 weeks of payments matching their net income. Providing this vital economic support to BIPOC families increases parents’ capacity to experience healthy bonding with their infant, and promotes racial, gender and economic equality.

About United Way of Douglas County

The United Way envisions a thriving, healthy and resilient Douglas County. We are fighting poverty and improving lives by Uniting Douglas County.

Our vision is that all people have an equal opportunity to succeed. We focus on early education and jobs training as stairways leading to family-sustaining jobs for financial security, supported by healthy food and affordable housing. We believe that a community cannot be truly successful unless everyone in that community succeeds, most especially those with the least. We recognize structural racism and other forms of oppression have contributed to persistent disparities that United Way seeks to dismantle.

We work with residents, and public and private partners to co-create solutions that ensure everyone has the resources, support, opportunities, and networks they need to thrive. We commit to leveraging all of our assets (convening, strategic investments, awareness building, advocacy) to create more equitable communities.

United Way of Douglas County has officially merged with United Way of Greater Topeka and will begin operating as United Way of Kaw Valley in early 2023.

For More Information on Parent-Infant Bonding Project/Paid Leave Program Contact:

Traci Dotson

Doula@dcsb6.org

785-760-3924

www.doulasofdouglascounty.org