Black River Falls, Wisconsin - A program designed to strengthen children and families while helping employers find and keep employees is coming to Jackson County.

The Jackson County Child Care Network (JCCCN) and Family Friendly Workplaces (FFW) announced their new affiliation to the first-annual JCCCN gala in Black River Falls. The affiliation will bring the Family Friendly Workplaces Employer Certification Program to Jackson County.

“Employers in Jackson County face a difficult labor market,” said Neil Kline, Executive Director of FFW. “Our program is designed to be a stamp of excellence which can help employers recruit and retain staff today, while also enlisting their help in addressing the county’s long-term workforce shortage.”

Jackson County has been experiencing a shrinking workforce since 2015, a dynamic that is projected to continue through at least 2040.

“This program is an excellent opportunity for employers to differentiate themselves from other employers in the region while building a stronger childcare infrastructure in Jackson County,” said Marianne Torkelson, Chair of JCCCN. 

The program will also directly benefit child care in Jackson County. FFW-certified employers are required to make an annual contribution to a nonprofit that supports families. Under the affiliation, employers in Jackson County will have their conduit contribution automatically directed to the JCCCN. This funding will then be used by JCCCN to support child care providers in Jackson County.

“Child care is critical to a strong workforce not only now but in the future. Our program gives employers an avenue to directly support child care providers, and by extension help themselves,” said Kline.

To learn more about the Family Friendly Workplaces certification and the affiliation between FFW and JCCCN, visit their website at www.jcchildcarenetwork.org or www.familyfriendlyworkplaces.org/jcccn-affiliation/. 

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 Family Friendly Workplaces works to address western Wisconsin's workforce shortage, and strengthen western Wisconsin families, by certifying businesses as Family Friendly, and encouraging the adoption of Family Friendly practices. For more information, visit www.familyfriendlyworkplaces.org or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/familyfriendlyworkplaces.