Disconnect from Trumps’ HR 1 bill and protect Oregonians from the impending impact of these tax cuts for the rich. The ultra-wealthy and corporations do not need any more tax cuts. Oregon is perfectly capable of preventing further cuts; to do that, we must stop prioritizing tax giveaways for corporations and the wealthiest. Working families and our future generations need our lawmakers to show up and do something.

HUNDREDS GATHER IN SALEM, CALLING ON LAWMAKERS TO CLOSE CORPORATE TAX LOOPHOLES AND PROTECT HEALTHCARE, SCHOOLS, AND MORE

Salem, Ore. — Several hundred gathered in Salem today to urge lawmakers to rein in tax loopholes for the ultra-wealthy to prevent massive cuts to childcare and healthcare, food assistance, public safety, schools, and other critical programs.

“Families can’t just wait and hope that things get better. They can’t afford the basics NOW. It is simply wrong to consider cutting essential services like education, homecare, child welfare, and maintaining the beauty of Oregon without first stopping these giveaways to the rich. If anything, it’s time that they start paying their fair share,” said Johnny Earl, President of SEIU Local 503.

State agencies have been directed to propose reductions to their budgets in response to a massive budget deficit created by new tax breaks for large corporations and the ultra-wealthy, signed into law by President Trump and replicated automatically into Oregon’s tax code.

Andrea Williams, President of Oregon Food Bank, said: “The task before us grows each day. Visits to our food assistance sites have increased by 51% over the last 2 years. That was 2.9 million visits to the Oregon Food Bank Network last year. It feels like we wake up every day and ask, when will the cruelty end?”

Cuts being considered would force mid-year school cuts, result in major losses in our childcare, firefighting, public safety, and behavioral health work force, construction jobs, clean energy jobs, and more.

“These cuts are happening in real time, impacting our students across the state,” said Enrique Farrera, President of the Oregon Education Association. “There is no world in which we can expect better outcomes for our students when educators are losing their jobs while billionaires line their pockets.”

Kate Oldfield, President of AFSCME sub-local 2376-002 and a Correctional Counselor with the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), said: “If we have to rebalance the state budget in a way that cuts funding from public safety, my job will be even less safe. Fewer staff will create a devastating impact on the safety of DOC workers and the Adults in Custody that we care for.”

“If I had not been able to access the Employment Related Daycare Program (ERDC), I would not have been able to afford to provide for my child,” said Makayla Towry, a recipient of the Employment Related Daycare Program (ERDC). “I’m grateful to have had the resource during this last year, and I also realize there are others who have been waiting for funding to be reinstated so they can have access to the same help.”

“Imagine, if you will, how bewildering it was for me to learn about my layoff less than 24 hours after submitting grades for 840 students. How difficult it was for me to sit down with my three children—two high schoolers and a UO student, to tell them that I was going to lose my job,” said Mike Urbancic, President of the American Association of University Professors of Oregon. “Are Oregon students getting the education they deserve? They face rising tuition, increased student loan debt, larger class sizes, and fewer course offerings—making it harder to complete their degrees on schedule.”

“In the past year, we have already seen nearly 10% of classified employees at Portland Public Schools laid off. We have lost beloved faculty, staff, and graduate employees at the University of Oregon, at PSU, and at schools, community colleges, and universities across Oregon,” said Thea Cooper, Vice President of the American Federation of Teachers – Oregon.

Photos of the event can be found here.

Learn more about Fight for Our Future Coalition at forourfutureoregon.com.

Contact: Kelsey Paden, Interim Executive Director, Our Oregon

The post Hundreds Gather in Salem, Calling on Lawmakers to Close Corporate Tax Loopholes and Protect Healthcare, Schools, and More appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

A note to ring in the new year from our Executive Director, Candice Williams (she/her):

Happy New Year, friends!

As we step into 2026, I’m filled with hope. Not the kind that waits for change, but the kind that creates it. That’s why I’m proud to share the fruits of our rebranding labor with you all. 

As of this month, we are officially For All Families Oregon (FAFO) and For All Families Oregon (FAFO) Action! 

But this isn’t just a new logo or a fresh website, though it does include those things. This is a declaration. A declaration that every family in Oregon regardless of race, income, gender, immigration status, or zip code deserves the right to care in all its forms. Every Oregonian deserves the right to choose how, where, and when we access that care, and to live with dignity, safety, and agency.

We’re reclaiming “FAFO,” not as a slang term but as a rallying cry. It is a reminder that we are not asking for permission, we are demanding justice. We are leaning into our collective power, refusing to be silenced, and insisting that our elected leaders stop playing politics with our lives.

This rebrand is our promise to show up for every parent; every caregiver; every child; every elder; every queer family; every immigrant family; every Black, brown, Indigenous, Asian, and Pacific Islander family. Because all families deserve to thrive.

In 2026, FAFO and FAFO Action will be louder, bolder, and more united than ever. We’ll be in the halls of the Capitol, in our neighborhoods, with our communities demanding policies that reflect our values, not corporate interests.

I look forward to all of the amazing trouble we’ll get into together this year!

Al entrar en 2026, me lleno de esperanza. No la clase de esperanza que espera el cambio, sino la que lo crea. Por eso, estoy orgullosa de compartir con todas ustedes los frutos de nuestro trabajo de cambio de imagen.

A partir del 1 de enero, somos oficialmente For All Families Oregon (FAFO) y For All Families Oregon (FAFO) Action.

Pero esto no es solo un nuevo logo o un sitio web renovado, aunque sí incluye esas cosas. Esto es una declaración. Una declaración de que cada familia en Oregon, sin importar raza, ingresos, género, estatus migratorio o código postal, merece el derecho a recibir cuidados en todas sus formas. Cada persona de Oregon merece el derecho a elegir cómo, dónde y cuándo acceder a ese cuidado, y a vivir con dignidad, seguridad y autonomía.

Estamos reclamando “FAFO”, no como un término coloquial, sino como un grito de batalla. Es un recordatorio de que no estamos pidiendo permiso, estamos exigiendo justicia. Estamos apostando por nuestro poder colectivo, negándonos a ser silenciadas e insistiendo en que los y las líderes elegidas por democracia dejen de jugar con nuestras vidas.

Este cambio de imagen es nuestra promesa de estar presentes por cada madre; cada cuidadora; cada niña; cada persona mayor; cada familia queer; cada familia inmigrante; cada familia negra, latina, indígena y del Pacífico. Porque todas las familias merecen prosperar.

En 2026, FAFO y FAFO Action serán más fuertes, más audaces y más unidas que nunca. Estaremos en los pasillos del Capitolio, en nuestros barrios y con nuestras comunidades exigiendo políticas que reflejen nuestros valores, no los intereses corporativos.

¡Espero con ansias todas las maravillosas aventuras que viviremos juntas este año!

The post New Year, New Brand, Same Dedication | Año Nuevo, Imagen Nueva, Igual de Dedicadas  appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

When I moved to Oregon with two young kids 10 years ago, I knew Oregon was a child care desert — but I didn’t realize how bad it truly was. I began working as an Early Learning educator when my daughters were in preschool. When COVID-19 disrupted the child care system further, things only got more difficult for providers and parents. I wanted to be part of making child care better for all families, children and providers.

Now, I’m thrilled to announce I’ve officially accepted the Development Director role with Family Forward! My deep personal experience with many aspects of our care system as an Early Learning educator inspired me to join Family Forward because I believe in our ability to build a more equitable child care system. 

As Development Director, I get to build bridges that connect people looking to invest in systemic change with the opportunity to fuel the work on the ground. Capitalism is a powerful system, and it takes the collective to ensure that power is used for good. I believe that “fundraising must be grounded in race, equity, and social justice,” and am comfortable with having uncomfortable conversations about systems and wealth distribution. At the heart of these conversations is curiosity and compassion—and that’s what connects us, builds lasting relationships and ultimately our collective power. 

Jess O’Donnell (she/her/hers) is the Development Director for Family Forward Oregon & Family Forward Action.

¡Bienvenido el Director de Desarrollo, Jess O’Donnell!

Cuando me mudé a Oregón con mis dos hijos pequeños hace 10 años, sabía que Oregón era un desierto de cuidado infantil, pero no me di cuenta de lo malo que realmente era. Comencé a trabajar como educadora de aprendizaje temprano cuando mis hijas estaban en la escuela preescolar. Cuando COVID-19 interrumpió aún más el sistema de cuidado infantil, las cosas solo se volvieron más difíciles para los proveedores y los padres. Quería ser parte de mejorar el cuidado infantil para todas las familias, niños y proveedores.

Ahora, estoy emocionada de anunciar que he aceptado oficialmente el cargo de Directora de Desarrollo de Family Forward! Mi profunda experiencia personal con muchos aspectos de nuestro sistema de atención como educadora de aprendizaje temprano me inspiró a unirme a Family Forward porque creo en nuestra capacidad para construir un sistema de cuidado infantil más equitativo.

Como directora de desarrollo, construyo puentes que conectan a las personas que buscan invertir en el cambio sistémico con la oportunidad de alimentar el trabajo sobre el terreno. El capitalismo es un sistema poderoso y se necesita una colectividad para garantizar que ese poder se utilice para el bien. Creo que “la recaudación de fondos debe estar arraigada en la raza, la equidad y la justicia social“, y me siento cómoda teniendo conversaciones incómodas sobre sistemas y distribución de riqueza. En el corazón de estas conversaciones hay curiosidad y compasión: eso es lo que nos conecta, construye relaciones duraderas y, en última instancia, nuestro poder colectivo.

Jess O’Donnell (ella/ella/suyo) es la directora de desarrollo de Family Forward Oregon & Family Forward Action.

The post Welcome Development Director, Jess O’Donnell! appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

WASHINGTON D.C. — On Friday, January 3, 2025, amongst more than 60 fellow newcomers to Congress, Janelle Bynum was sworn in to represent Oregon’s 5th Congressional District as the state’s first Black Congressperson Endorsed by many parent- and caregiver-centric organizations — including The Mother PAC — Bynum is a self-proclaimed care champion. Candice Vickers, Executive Director of Family Forward Oregon, and Kali Thorne Ladd, Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Institute, were also in attendance. 

On this historic swearing-in of Oregon’s first Black Congressperson, Vickers said, “I am reminded of the countless mothers and caregivers who have paved the way for this moment. Their tireless efforts to build stronger, more just communities have created a foundation for leaders like Congresswoman Bynum to rise. 

“As an organization dedicated to supporting these unsung heroes, Family Forward Oregon recognizes the profound impact that representation has on our collective well-being. We look forward to working with Congresswoman Bynum to ensure that the voices of mothers and caregivers are heard in the halls of power, and that our policies reflect the values of equity, justice, and compassion that they embody.”

“Caregivers play a critical role in our families, communities, and economy and it’s time for our policies to reflect that,” said Congresswoman Bynum. “As a mom, I understand what families are struggling with and what they need. That’s why I’ll continue to champion expanding paid family and medical leave and investing in child care. I look forward to continuing to partner with Family Forward, now from Congress, to help families and children get the future they deserve.” 

“Access to high-quality childcare is a critical investment in our children’s future,” said Thorne Ladd. “As we celebrate milestones like Congresswoman Janelle Bynum’s inauguration as Oregon’s first Black congresswoman, we’re reminded that representation matters — not just in government, but also in opportunities for our youngest citizens. By providing access to quality childcare, we can help ensure that all children, regardless of their background or zip code, have the opportunity to reach their full potential and grow up to be leaders like Congresswoman Bynum.”

Photos of Bynum, Vickers and Thorne Ladd can be found here.

– ### –

ABOUT FAMILY FORWARD OREGON

Family Forward Oregon is a feminist organization committed to racial, gender, and economic justice. We envision Oregon as a place where the unpaid and underpaid labor of caregiving is seen and valued, and the intersectional needs of caregivers are brought to the forefront of our societal systems, through the fulfillment of their importance, agency, and power. Learn more and get involved at FamilyForward.org. 

Candice Vickers (left), ED of Family Forward and Kali Thorne Ladd (right), CEO of Children’s Institute at the new office of Congresswoman Janelle Bynum.

Media Contact: Ashley Mumm
ashley@familyforward.org | ‪503.567.6551‬

The post RELEASE: Child Care Advocates Celebrate Representative Janelle Bynum’s  Inauguration to Oregon’s 5th Congressional District appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

Samantha Hart, srhart@communitychange.org, 540-470-0480

We Care, We Vote: Childcare Providers, Parents and Advocates to GOTV on Community Change Action National Childcare Voter Day of Action Oct 23

Next Wednesday, our network of providers and parents will come together in key cities and states across the country to show the strength of childcare voters and establish 2024 as the child care election. 

Nationwide – As the 2024 election nears, care is at the top of the ticket. We are in an era of economic crisis on multiple fronts, and child care consistently weighs in as the highest or second-highest bill for families – so providers, parents, and advocates are taking action to demonstrate how consequential they can be to electoral outcomes this fall. Community Change Action is hosting a National Childcare Voter Day of Action on October 23, 2024, where childcare providers in at least 14 states and the District of Columbia will host events on October 23rd to get out the vote and make this the child care election.

From voter registration to trunk or treats to phone banking, each event aims to reach voters, friends, family, and neighbors within key electoral communities and encourage them to back leaders who champion care and a care economy – and vote out those who don’t put families and their livelihoods first. Together, childcare advocates will demand thriving wages for providers, affordable care for families, an inclusive expanded child tax credit, and a system built on racial and gender justice.

For decades, our Black, brown, and women-led childcare workforce and parents have been the backbone of our economy and our democracy, and now they are flexing their power.

 Community Change Action also recently released a child care congressional report card to empower voters by sharing whether their representatives have supported childcare initiatives. 

Please let us know if you have any questions or would like to know more about National Childcare Voter Day of Action. You can also find more information, like event details and voter stories, on our website.

WHO: Childcare providers, parents, children, and advocates

WHAT: Community Change Action National Childcare Voter Day of Action

WHERE: Nationwide, including Nevada, Oregon, Missouri, Colorado, Utah, North Carolina, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, DC, Illinois, Texas, Georgia – find event locations on map

WHEN: Wednesday, October 23, 2024 – individual location start times will vary, please reach out to inquire or use our map to find event information

###

The post We Care, We Vote: Childcare Providers, Parents and Advocates to GOTV on Community Change Action National Childcare Voter Day of Action Oct 23 appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

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 off the roundtable saying, “Child care is part of our essential infrastructure—just like roads, bridges, public schools, and libraries. But our current child care system isn’t funded like other infrastructure, instead relying on parents and providers to shoulder the cost of this public service. This has resulted in a broken system.”

Following Vickers, PCUN Executive Director Reyna Lopez shared her personal story about navigating an insufficient child care system with a young child. “We’re really just trying to piece it together to find what’s right for us. For many families, especially the families that PCUN represents, sometimes it means bringing their kids to work with them because they can’t afford childcare. This cannot continue to be reality in America, the richest country in the world. We need significant, sustained, mandatory federal investments in child care and a mixed-delivery system that is not one-size-fits-all.”

Annel Palacios, mother of four and owner of Los Primos Tires and Wheels, shared her struggles with finding affordable child care that meets her family’s needs, often having to bring her children to work. Additionally, Palacios’ 2-year-old was just diagnosed with autism. “I have to figure out how I am going to get him the care he needs, run my business, and care for my other children. But I know my family are not the only ones. Every family I know is struggling to find and afford care. We really need Congress to invest in child care and for you, as our Congresswoman, to make child care a priority.”

Kim Sekishiro, mother of two and owner of Community Catalyst Fitness, echoed many of the same challenges. “I often have no choice but to bring my kids to work with me. When I have to do this, I can’t give myself fully to either my kids or my work. And I also know I am not the only business owner dealing struggling in our child care crisis. Nearly every other woman business owner I know has to bring their kids to work because they can’t afford child care.”

Christel Allen with the Child Care for Every Family Network closed with an ask to Congresswoman Salinas. “By transitioning federal child care funding away from block grants to mandatory investments, not only would the ERDC waitlist be eliminated, but every eligible Oregon family would have access to quality affordable child care. A change like this would be transformative for families — is this a change you would be willing to champion in Congress?” 

To that, a moved Congresswoman Salinas gave an enthusiastic “Yes, yes, yes! This is what we need to be talking about. It’s foundational to finish recovering from COVID to give working families a little bit of breathing room to make sure they can stay in business. We’re not talking about giving people a handout, we’re talking about giving people the tools to thrive.”

Find photos from Wednesday’s roundtable here. 

– ### –

ABOUT FAMILY FORWARD

Family Forward is a feminist organization committed to racial, gender, and economic justice. We envision Oregon as a place where the unpaid and underpaid labor of caregiving is seen and valued, and the intersectional needs of caregivers are brought to the forefront of our societal systems, through the fulfillment of their importance, agency, and power. Learn more and get involved at FamilyForward.org. 

Inquiries: Ashley Mumm, ashley@familyforward.org, 503.567.6551‬

The post RELEASE: Caregivers and Providers Joined Congresswoman Andrea Salinas for a Roundtable to Discuss the Real-Life Impacts of Oregon’s Child Care Crisis appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

This year, the third annual DWOCC, Family Forward made a significant mark and we’re thrilled to share the highlights of our collective impact. Here’s a snapshot of what we achieved together:

• 22 Providers Closed: Our event underscored the critical importance of child care services by temporarily closing 22 child care centers, making a powerful statement about their essential role in our communities.
• 57 Petition Signatures: We gathered 57 signatures in support of child care advocacy, demonstrating strong community backing for our cause.
• 9 In-Center Actions: Across several locations, we organized nine localized efforts to raise awareness and drive change directly within our communities.
• 8 Cities Involved: Our reach extended across eight cities in Oregon, showing the widespread concern and support for child care issues.
• 2 Community Events: We engaged with the public through two community events, fostering discussions and generating solutions to address the challenges facing child care.
• 1 Press Conference: Our press conference drew significant media attention, highlighting the importance of investing in child care and the challenges faced by providers and families alike.
• 1 National Virtual Rally: Co-emceed by Candice, this national rally united voices from across the country, amplifying our message on a larger scale.
• So Many T-Shirts! Our eye-catching campaign gear helped spread the word and kept our cause visible and vibrant.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and supported these efforts. Your involvement is crucial in advancing our mission and advocating for better child care solutions.

Stay tuned for updates on our Legislative Days where we’ll share insights from recent sessions, and the Childcare Alliance’s ongoing efforts to improve services. Plus, don’t miss the exciting news about the MPAC Early Childhood initiative – a significant step forward in enhancing early childhood care.

Together, we’re making strides toward a future where quality child care is accessible for all. Thank you for being part of this vital movement!

Photos from Events in Portland & Salem

The post National Day Without Child Care 2024 appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

En este momento, el programa ERDC todavía acepta solicitudes de familias elegibles para recibir apoyo para el cuidado infantil. Evite ser colocado en una lista de espera para ERDC: 

Recientemente, el departamento que supervisa el Programa de Cuidado Infantil relacionado con el empleo (ERDC, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció que las familias se podrán poner en una lista de espera.

Este programa es una línea vital para las familias—mantiene a los padres de familia trabajando y garantiza que los niños reciban la educación temprana que se merecen.  Family Forward y nuestra coalición, Child Care for Oregon, están luchando con usted para asegurar más fondos de la Legislatura de Oregon.

Padres y cuidadores: si solicita ERDC ahora, es probable que evite ser incluido en una lista de espera para el programa.

Si alguna vez solicitó el programa ERDC, agregue su nombre para recibir actualizaciones y oportunidades para tomar tomar acción.

Inscríbase para recibir actualizaciones

Preguntas frecuentes

¿Qué es el programa ERDC?
Este es un programa crítico para pagar por el cuidado infantil que ayuda a las familias que están trabajando, van a la escuela o reciben dinero del programa de Asistencia Temporal para las Familias Necesitadas (TANF, por sus siglas en inglés) . También trabajan con programas asociados en todo el estado para ayudar a las familias a encontrar y mantener un buen cuidado infantil.

¿Cómo sé si estoy en la lista de espera?
¡Sí! Si usted califica, también puede solicitar para participar en el programa ERDC. Su solicitud se revisará y considerará cuando haya fondos disponibles.

¿Aun así debería solicitar el programa ERDC?
¡Sí! Si califica, aún puede solicitar el programa ERDC. Su solicitud será revisada y considerada cuando haya fondos disponibles.

Mi solicitud para el programa ERDC ha sido aprobada y/o ya tengo cuidado infantil a través del programa ERDC. ¿Me quedaré sin cuidado infantil?
Si su solicitud ya fue ha sido aprobada o tiene acceso a través del programa ERDC, usted probablemente no se verá afectada.

¿Por qué hay una nueva lista de espera para el programa ERDC?
A pesar de los ingresos récord y las llamadas realizadas por las mamás y cuidadoras de todo el estado, la Legislatura del 2023 de Oregon no financió el cuidado infantil al nivel que necesitamos para mantener a los padres de familia trabajando y garantizar que los niños obtengan la educación temprana que se merecen. El presupuesto del estado se quedó corto para mantener los niveles actuales de acceso al cuidado infantil. Este déficit de financiamiento ha ocasionado que las familias sean puestas en lista de espera para cuidado infantil asequible. Ante posibles recortes federales al cuidado infantil, la situación es terrible.

¿Qué puedo hacer para ayudar?
Únase a la lucha.

The post Actualizaciones para las familias elegible para el Programa de Cuidado Infantil relacionado con el empleo appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

Right now, the ERDC program is still accepting applications from eligible families for child care support. Avoid being placed on a waitlist for ERDC:

Recently, the department that oversees the Employment Related Day Care program (ERDC) announced that they will need to open a waitlist for the program.

This program is a lifeline for families—it keeps parents working and ensures kids get the early education they deserve. It is unacceptable that the legislature didn’t allocate enough funding to even come close to meeting  the need. Family Forward and our coalition, Child Care for Oregon, are organizing with parents and providers to secure more funding as soon as possible. 

Parents and caregivers: If you believe you qualify for the ERDC program, apply now to avoid being placed on a waitlist! 

If you have ever applied for the ERDC program, please add your name for updates and opportunities to take action.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ERDC program? 

This is a critical program to help families who are working, in school, or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) pay for child care. 

Should I still apply for the ERDC program?

Yes! If you think that you qualify, you can still apply for the ERDC program and avoid the waitlist. Your application will be reviewed, and if you are accepted, you will have 12 months of protected eligibility.

How do I know if I am on the waitlist? 

The waitlist is not open yet . They anticipate the families will begin to be placed on the waitlist soon. You will receive official notification from the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) if you are placed on the waitlist. 

My application for the ERDC program has been approved and/or I already receive child care through the ERDC program. Will I lose my child care?

If you are already approved or accessing child care through the ERDC program, you are not likely to be impacted.

Why is there a new waitlist for the ERDC program? 

Despite record revenue and calls from moms and caregivers from across the state, the 2023 Oregon Legislature did not fund child care at the level we need in order to keep parents working and ensure kids get the early education they deserve. The state budget fell short of sustaining our current levels of access to child care. This funding shortfall will not lead  to families being placed on a waitlist for affordable child care. With looming potential Federal cuts to child care, the situation is dire.  

What can I do to help?

Join our fight. Sign-up for updates and to join our movement to defend access to child care.

The post Updates for families eligible for the Employment Related Day Care program appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

Position Summary:
The Political Director will be responsible for managing our day-to-day issue campaigns and electoral work. This includes developing and implementing big picture strategies on our campaigns as well as managing our elections work for The Mother PAC.

The Political Director will always use a race and gender justice framework to build equitable and effective campaigns.  They will work directly with the impacted women and caregivers we organize and be part of building a transformational approach to the work.

The Political Director will be accountable to the Executive Director and will work closely with the Communications and Organizing Directors. They will also manage our policy staff and government affairs team.

Review the complete job description, including description of benefits, here!

The post We’re Hiring! appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.