The First Parent Cohort Comes to a Close

On September 14th, the Child Care for Oregon coalition gathered at the Beaverton library to celebrate the successful completion of our first pilot parent cohort! We started out the evening by tuning in to Family Values at Work‘s “Caring Out Loud” storytelling event, which focused on shifting the narrative around caregiving. We recognized the participating parents’ dedication and… Read more »

RELEASE: Caregivers and Providers Joined Congresswoman Andrea Salinas for a Roundtable to Discuss the Real-Life Impacts of Oregon’s Child Care Crisis

Parents and advocates shared concerns and challenges with the Congresswoman who vowed to champion mandatory investments in child care at the federal level SALEM, OR — On Wednesday, July 17, more than a dozen parents, caregivers, and advocates gathered at Saint Mark Lutheran Church in downtown Salem. Family Forward Oregon Executive Director, Candice Vickers, kicked… Read more »

National Child Care Innovation Summit Recap

Photo courtesy of U.S. Chamber of Commerce On Thursday, June 27, 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation hosted the “first-of-its-kind National Child Care Innovation Summit.” The summit brought together leaders from the public and private sector to discuss the vital role of child… Read more »

National Day Without Child Care 2024

“Child care workers earn an average of $13.22 an hour. Early childhood education and care (birth through kindergarten), is so underfunded that many families who need care are unable to access it, and some early educators leave the field because they can’t make a livable wage. This leaves families, providers and businesses vulnerable. That’s why… Read more »

Family Forward Celebrates Oregon Legislature’s Investment in Child Care

Senate passes $171M for Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program March 7, 2024 – Family Forward’s Executive Director Candice Vickers celebrated the Oregon Legislature’s investment of $171 million in Employment-Related Day Care (ERDC). More than 16,000 Oregon families rely on ERDC in order to work, go to school, and pay their bills. “Employment-Related Day Care… Read more »

In the News: Moms and Advocates Call on Oregon Legislature to Address Child Care Budget Shortfall

Eighteen moms and advocates hold up children’s onesies that read “1,360 families need ERDC. Fund Child Care Now! Care Can’t Wait” with the Oregon Capital dome in the background. Photo credit: FLI Social. Oregon parents, advocates press lawmakers for more child care funding January 12, 2024 Oregon Capital Chronicle A letter from Oregon’s Department of… Read more »

New Year, New Roles for Our Team

Update from Candice R. Vickers, Executive Director We continue to grow as a team and an organization in accordance with our vision that centers the voices of mothers and caregivers.  I am excited to announce that Kaitlin Gaffney has accepted the position of Development Director, and Nichi Linder is now our Grant Writer and Database… Read more »

Growth and Change on Our Team

Update from Candice R. Vickers, Executive Director I’m delighted to announce that Courtney Veronneau has accepted a promotion and will become our new Deputy Director of Movement Building!  As senior political director and a vital part of our team since 2020, Courtney has helped us navigate turbulent times with a brilliant and principled strategic approach…. Read more »