Literacy Nonprofit Hopes Others Will Institute Similar Policies
SAN DIEGO (July 20, 2022) – This week, Words Alive’s Board of Directors approved supplementing paid family leave benefits, guaranteeing that employees receive 100% of their regular salary while on qualified paid leave. Words Alive, a San Diego-based children’s literacy nonprofit, has 7 full-time and 3 part-time employees now eligible for this benefit.
“Words Alive employees tirelessly serve the San Diego community,” says Words Alive Board Chair Karen Silberman, “and today, I am proud to announce we are investing in our employees by adopting policies that create a more family-supportive workplace.”
Under the new benefit, Words Alive will supplement employees’ paid leave as qualified through the California Family Rights Act and Pregnancy Disability Leave Act. This benefit will support employees through significant life changes and challenges, including family planning.
California is one of 11 states to administer a state program for paid leave funded through a payroll tax. The state benefit covers roughly two-thirds of an employee’s regular salary during the leave period. For families for whom taking a temporary pay reduction imposes a hardship, employees may choose not to take the full leave time available to bond with children, care for ill family members, or fully recover from pregnancy. By adopting this policy, Words Alive empowers employees to make the best decisions for their family, without financial influence.
“We hope other nonprofits and businesses will join us in creating supportive and caring workplaces for employees and their families,” Executive Director Rachael Orose adds. As such, the text of the Board proposal is available on the Words Alive blog or by contacting [email protected].
Founded in 1999, Words Alive connects children, teens, and families with the power of reading. Words Alive provides access to relevant and quality books, shared reading experiences, and a connection to reading that lays the foundation for continued success.
To learn more about Words Alive visit: www.WordsAlive.org