Jan. 2, 2024 11:35 a.m. 

Business Champions for Kids, a program operated by Douglas Education Service District, is recognizing 23 employers in Douglas County for their efforts to support working parents.

The local employers are being recognized through the “Best Place for Working Parents” initiative, which enables employers to determine how their organization fares on family friendly practices in comparison to businesses of similar size and industry. Douglas ESD says the process evaluates organizations based on 10 research-backed strategies that prove beneficial for both working parents and employers during a critical period in a child’s development.

Businesses and organizations being honored include Adapt Integrated Health Care, CHI Mercy Medical Center, City of Roseburg, Consumer Safety Technology, Con-Vey, Douglas County Government, Douglas ESD, Family Faith and Relationship Advocates, The Ford Family Foundation, Hunt Companie, i.e. Engineering, Incredible Family, Lone Rock Resources, March of Dimes, Oregon State University Extension Service, Roseburg – Dillard Complex, Roseburg – Riddle Engineered Wood, Roseburg – Riddle Plywood, Safe Families for Children, Thrive Umpqua, UCAN, Wicks Emmett and the YMCA of Douglas County.

In the release, Douglas ESD says that family-friendly practices that include childcare assistance, company culture surveys, and flexible work arrangements positively impact employee recruitment, retention, job satisfaction, work attendance and engagement. Plus, family-friendly working environments help families build safe, stable and nurturing relationships for young children.

Organizations can learn more and access the Best Place for Working Parents assessment by visiting Biz4Kids.org.