The Burke Foundation

?? As we close out 2024 with our final #StartingEarly newsletter, we’re proud to spotlight our Community Champions — extraordinary leaders whose transformative work supports families during the critical early years. ? This year, we celebrate four exceptional changemakers on the frontlines of service delivery and systems transformation for young children and their families: ? ? Lisa Asare, President and CEO, New Jersey Maternal & Infant Health Innovation Authority (NJMIHIA). With over 20 years of public service experience, Lisa tackles complex policy challenges rooted in systemic inequities. She champions the power of community voices, ensuring those closest to the issues guide the solutions. ? ? Robyn D'Oria, CEO, CENTRAL JERSEY FAMILY HEALTH CONSORTIUM. Robyn’s passion helped launch Family Connects NJ, a statewide initiative offering home nurse visits shortly after birth. Her leadership inspires others and advances community-centered nursing to connect families with essential services. ? ? Craig Garfield, Attending Physician, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago; Professor, Northwestern University - The Feinberg School of Medicine. Craig is a tireless advocate for fathers, elevating their critical role in family well-being. His work challenges norms and ensures dads receive the support they need to thrive alongside their families. ? ? Khaatim Sherrer El, Executive Director, Clinton Hill Community Action. Khaatim leads efforts to revitalize the Clinton Hill neighborhood in Newark through innovative, community-driven initiatives like a state-of-the-art child care center and a resident-run grocery store. His approach empowers families and builds pathways to opportunity. ? ?? ?????????? ???????? about these leaders and their catalytic impact in our latest newsletter: https://lnkd.in/ebV3Vq4D Let’s continue to uplift and celebrate those working tirelessly to create brighter futures for families. ??

?? New research from the Rutgers Center for Women and Work just dropped — and it’s a game-changer for New Jersey families. Child care costs up to 30% of paychecks for many in NJ, and the way the state’s child care subsidy system is set up leaves too many families stuck in the middle — they make too much to qualify for state assistance, but not enough to afford care without it. ?? The study highlights the importance of: ?? Expanding income eligibility for child care subsidies ?? Aligning with federal guidelines to reach nearly 200,000 more children ?? Supporting part-time and non-traditional workers who fall through the cracks State Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz said it best: ?? “This report drives home that many families are stuck in the middle, unable to afford market-rate childcare prices yet ineligible for assistance. Access to affordable, high-quality childcare pays dividends, and to truly support our children and families, we must take a comprehensive approach and explore every possible solution.” The Burke Foundation is proud to partner with Rutgers Center for Women and Work as part of the First 1,000 Days NJ Policy Coalition, a group of diverse stakeholders who work together to advance solutions for New Jersey's child care crisis. ?? Read the report: https://lnkd.in/epPTXYkr ?? Read the NJ.com article: https://lnkd.in/eycWgTgQ Moms First, Rutgers University - Center for Women and Work, Advocates for Children of New Jersey, NJAEYC, NEW JERSEY CITIZEN ACTION EDUCATION FUND INC, Maher Charitable Foundation, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Turrell Fund, Schumann Fund for New Jersey, HENRY & MARILYN TAUB FOUNDATION #ChildCare #ChildCareNJ #NJPolicy

In today’s issue of #StartingEarly, we explore the ins and outs of Medicaid, the critical role it plays in New Jersey healthcare, and the consequences of potential cuts. ???????? Nearly 2 million New Jerseyans—including children, pregnant moms, and seniors—depend on Medicaid for essential care. But federal cuts could strip billions from our healthcare system, threatening access for those who need it most. ? ?? The Burke Foundation invests in programs that support families, from prenatal care to early childhood health. Medicaid funds vital services like community doulas, HealthySteps, and CenteringPregnancy. ? ?? But cuts could force hospitals to reduce services, lay off staff, or shut down. Losing coverage increases financial stress, child welfare concerns, and worsens health outcomes. “When families lose health insurance, they’re put in an impossible position — choosing between rent, food, and medical care,” says?Katie Stoehr, first deputy commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families of Children and Families. “That’s when kids are most at risk. If [family] budgets aren’t big enough to handle everything at the same time, stress levels skyrocket, and we know that’s directly linked to increases in child welfare concerns.” In our “Faces of Medicaid” section, we feature stories about people helped by Medicaid at critical points in their lives from RWJF’s powerful “That’s Medicaid.” ? ?? Read on for more about Medicaid, the impact of potential cuts, and how we can protect this lifeline: https://lnkd.in/ejSCp7GT ? #MedicaidMatters #HealthyFamilies

?? Medicaid is on the line. Tomorrow’s Starting Early breaks down what Medicaid is, who it covers, and why it’s a lifeline for families in New Jersey and beyond. ? With federal cuts looming, millions could lose access to essential care — especially mothers, babies, and vulnerable communities. This issue unpacks the risks and shares powerful stories from those who rely on Medicaid every day. ? ?? Don’t miss it! Subscribe now: https://lnkd.in/gupUwZGr

"It is one of the greatest disconnects in American society: the importance of a child’s first five years versus how the work of early care and education is valued." This is the premise of a new documentary, Make a Circle (https://lnkd.in/e8K_EppH), which spotlights the impossible circumstances confronted by our country's child care workers, who deliver foundational education and nurturing for our youngest children and entire communities, despite struggling to provide for themselves and their own families. ? ?????Last week, Burke Program Officer Caroline Bersak joined the NJAEYC, Advocates for Children of New Jersey, and others for a screening of?the award-winning documentary. ? The film exposes?how our country underfunds and undervalues early care and education, resulting in the harsh reality that "parents can't afford to pay; teachers can't afford to stay."? ? In a panel discussion following the screening, Assemblywoman Shanique Speight (a former early educator), Debra Lancaster (executive director of Rutgers University - Center for Women and Work), Chelsy Smith (senior director, Zadie's of the Oranges), and Meghan Tavormina (NJAEYC's director of public policy) made clear that New Jersey's child care system is grappling with the same systemic failures shown in the film, and that our children, families, communities, businesses, and early educators are paying the price. ? ???NJAEYC, ACNJ, and CWW are all partners in the First 1000 Days Policy Coalition, a key Burke Foundation initiative that brings together diverse stakeholders to advance solutions for New Jersey's child care crisis.

Excited to promote this national research talk with our program director, Renee Nogales, on lessons learned from expanding Centering Parenting in New Jersey. Centering Parenting is an innovative way to deliver high-quality pediatric care and grow new networks of families. Please join on March 19!

?? We're thrilled to see this new funding opportunity from New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development. It's clear that strong paid leave policies yield significant benefits for families — time off work to care for a newborn fosters bonding, promotes healthy infant development, supports maternal well-being, and strengthens parental relationships.

?? Burke Foundation program staff?Jessica Nugent?and?Caroline Bersak?just returned from an energizing few days at?Foundations on the Hill 2025?with the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers?and?United Philanthropy Forum, educating our Congressional delegation on the incredible and essential work nonprofits are doing to strengthen communities across New Jersey! ? As part of the delegation, they highlighted the impact of philanthropy and the fundamental role nonprofits play in driving long-term health and well-being throughout the state. ? ?? A huge thank you to the offices of?Senator Andy Kim, Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Congressman Herb Conaway MD, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, Congressman Donald Norcross,?and?Congressman Jeff Van Drew?for taking the time to meet with us and discuss the importance of investing in our communities! Now more than ever, our members of Congress must understand the vital role of the nonprofit and philanthropic community in New Jersey. ? We are grateful for our New Jersey colleagues who joined us in Washington, DC, during these impactful days spent championing the importance of philanthropy, community investment, and the nonprofit sector. Working together, we were able to meet with New Jersey's entire congressional delegation! ? #FOTH25 #Philanthropy #Nonprofits #StrongerCommunities #AdvocacyMatters Naeema Campbell Linda Czipo Theresa Jacks Craig Drinkard Alma García MSW, LSW Sharnita C. Johnson sharese york Shelley Skinner Nelida Valentin Lucy Vandenberg Renee Woodside Jeremy Grunin Sharif Braxton Jessica Johansen Kortney Swanson Davis Hellen Zamora-Bustos

Last month, 13 doulas and breastfeeding peer counselors graduated as the first cohort of Community Perinatal Health Associates (CPHA) from BRICK Networks’ South Ward Promise Neighborhood’s Healthy Beginnings program in Newark! After six months of intensive training, they’re now ready to make a lasting impact on maternal and infant health. ?? The customized CPHA curriculum goes beyond traditional doula training—it's a dynamic program that blends community health worker skills with specialized training in lactation, childbirth education, and public health. The curriculum builds on HealthConnect One’s Community-Based Doula Program, a nationally recognized and evidence-based model. CPHA trainees?also receive career support, including resume building, interview prep, and professional development, ensuring long-term success in maternal and infant health. Over 60 people attended to celebrate the graduates’ achievements, including friends, family, community members, and a few of our New Jersey elected representatives, pictured here! Congrats to the grads – we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make.?? Interested in joining the next cohort kicking off this spring? Visit Bricknetworks.org or contact [email protected]! #MaternalHealth #InfantHealth #Lactation #PostPartum #CommunityDoulas #CommunityDoulasNJ #CommunityImpact #Doulas #HealthyBeginnings #Newark #NJMaternalChildHealth Jazmin Rivera LaMonica McIver Shanique Speight Min. Louise Scott-Rountree Shamon Davis Pickenss Ingrid Bruce University Hospital Pamela Taylor , MPH New Jersey Maternal & Infant Health Innovation Authority (NJMIHIA) Jill Wodnick Bristol Myers Squibb

Yesterday, Governor Murphy announced a plan to remove barriers that have prevented NJ child care centers from participating in publicly funded preschool expansion. This plan helps to stabilize the child care industry that our communities and economy rely on to care for and educate our youngest residents. This is a major step forward in recognizing child care centers as essential partners in expanding preschool access, bolstering our mixed delivery system, and ensuring that children and families have access to the care they need. We are proud to congratulate our fellow First 1,000 Days Policy Coalition partners, Advocates for Children of New Jersey and NJAEYC, whose advocacy has led to this important win for New Jersey’s families. ?? Read the full press release here: bit.ly/4ikP9fQ #PreschoolExpansion #NJChildCare #EarlyChildhoodEducation