Footbridge for Families

As we continue our focus on the theme of dignity and human rights, we're revisiting Shawna’s* Case Story. Shawna’s journey into motherhood, normally a time for joy and the excitement of new beginnings, was overshadowed by financial strain. Depleted savings due to unpaid maternity leave brought the relentless pressure of mounting bills and fear of eviction. Read Shawna’s Case Story on the Footbridge Website: https://lnkd.in/gh5pzxYr *This name has been changed for privacy reasons.

“My stress and concern for how to provide for my family were eliminated.” Footbridge recently assisted a family that has experienced a series of financial setbacks in rapid succession, and as a result their water was shut off and they had received shutoff notices for electricity and sewer as well. The organization was able to get them current with their utilities, enabling them to get back on track and reducing the parents’ stress and helping them to be more present for their children. Your donation can help families recover from a financial setback and enjoy the holiday season and the year to come: https://lnkd.in/eQvtmQk8

When Morgan*'s twelve-year-old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia in August, it coincided with a period of unemployment for her husband. The timing forced both parents to miss work, straining an already precarious financial situation. As medical appointments and treatments for their daughter became a priority, the family's income continued to decrease. Read Morgan's Case Story on the Footbridge website: https://lnkd.in/eXaDuqd3

Research from the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Center at Vanderbilt University shows that Pennsylvania ranks 48th out of 50 states in supporting working parents with young children. The stark reality: A single parent working full-time with two young children in PA has less than 60% of the financial support available to the same family in neighboring New Jersey or New York. These dramatic differences aren't random - they're the direct result of state policy choices around minimum wage, paid family leave, childcare subsidies, and tax credits. The research is clear: The first three years of a child's life are critical for brain development and future outcomes. When we invest in policies that support families during these early years, we strengthen the foundation of our communities. Want to explore the data? Visit the interactive Policy Impact Calculator at https://lnkd.in/eUVcPK2J to see how different policy choices affect families across all 50 states.

As we continue our focus this month on the theme of dignity and human rights and the ways that financial security enables both for families, we're revisiting Denise*'s Case Story. What began as a routine pregnancy became a cascade of unexpected challenges for Denise, a mail carrier. When complications arose, her doctor ordered bed rest – a medical necessity that cost her both her job and her family's financial stability. Her partner's sudden job loss amplified their vulnerability, leaving them facing possible eviction and utility shutoff. Read Denise's Case Story on the Footbridge website: https://lnkd.in/eea3pn5Z

“My stress level of worrying about my overdue bills is way lower now. I now do not have to worry about Christmas.” Footbridge recently assisted a client that was facing a court date to mediate an eviction notice. They had fallen behind on rent due to an extended period of unpaid maternity leave and were struggling to catch back up. Footbridge’s ability to act rapidly when families face these types of financial crises ensures housing stability for caregivers and children. If your circumstances allow, a donation to Footbridge can help families get back on their feet and able to enjoy the holiday season: https://lnkd.in/eQvtmQk8

When Rebecca's* child was born in March, what should have been a time of joy became a period of mounting uncertainty. Without paid maternity leave, she faced three months without income, disrupting the careful payment arrangement she had established with her landlord. The financial strain of unpaid leave coincided with Rebecca's post-partum depression, creating a complex web of challenges. Read Rebecca's Case Story on the Footbridge blog: https://lnkd.in/eUbY6xda *This name has been changed for privacy reasons.

“My stress level of worrying about my overdue bills is way lower now. I now do not have to worry about Christmas.” Footbridge recently assisted a client that was facing a court date to mediate an eviction notice. They had fallen behind on rent due to an extended period of unpaid maternity leave and were struggling to catch back up. Footbridge’s ability to act rapidly when families face these types of financial crises ensures housing stability for caregivers and children. If your circumstances allow, a donation to Footbridge can help families get back on their feet and able to enjoy the holiday season: https://lnkd.in/eQvtmQk8

Research in BMJ Open examined how unpaid caregiving affects financial stability, finding that caregivers face average out-of-pocket costs of $7,000 annually for household expenses and care-related needs. Whether caring for children or other family members, over half of employed caregivers struggle to balance work and caregiving responsibilities, often forcing impossible choices between providing care and maintaining financial stability. The study highlighted several key impacts: - 75% of those who left the workforce due to the responsibilities of caregiving would have stayed if given flexible work arrangements - Caregivers experience reduced lifetime earnings and lower net worth - Women and people of color report disproportionately higher financial strain - Healthcare costs for caregivers' own health average $6,000 annually, on top of spending on providing care These findings underscore why rapid financial assistance for families experiencing temporary crises is crucial. When organizations like Footbridge help parents maintain stability during unpaid leave or medical emergencies, they're protecting both caregiver and child wellbeing. Read the full study: https://lnkd.in/eNiaxdrh

As December unfolds, and with it Human Rights Day on December 10th, we’re sharing Erica*’s Case Story. Through Erica's story, we see how rapid, flexible support preserves the dignity of stable housing, access to medical care, and the ability to make choices for our families during times of crisis. When Erica's* daughter needed multiple dental and medical procedures over the summer, the timing seemed ideal. Her daughter, who has Down syndrome, could recover without missing school. However, the sequence of necessary procedures - tooth extractions, ear tubes, a sleep study, and adenoid removal - required more time off work than Erica's remaining paid leave could cover. What began as a calculated decision to schedule her daughter's medical care during summer break quickly evolved into a complex financial challenge. The unpaid leave coincided with an unexpected reduction in her daughter's disability benefits, creating a perfect storm of reduced income. When her landlord increased the rent to $1,034 and utility costs rose simultaneously, Erica found herself falling behind on payments. Read Erica’s Case Story on the Footbridge website: https://lnkd.in/gW3qsuiK