User:Thekohser/The Family & Workplace Connection

The Family & Workplace Connection (FWC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to enhancing the supply and quality of care and education for children and the elderly, and to help families effectively manage their work and personal life responsibilities.

While the organization's primary geographic coverage area is Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, and Maryland's Eastern Shore, its corporate services are provided nationwide. The FWC serves more than 20,000 families a year through resource and referral services, seminars, information exhibits, and other educational programs.

FWC employs about 45 full-time staff, predominantly in its two office locations in the cities of Wilmington and Dover, Delaware. Ralph Klesius currently serves as the organization's President. The organization had 2005 revenues of approximately $4.8 million.

'Just In Time Care'
In the workplace world, employers and employees frequently identify the need for occasional backup care for children and elderly dependents when anticipated or unanticipated lapses in regular care occur. If the employee cannot find adequate substitute care, they may have to bring a child to work or leave a dependent home alone. Or, the employee has to miss work altogether.

Just in Time Care is a FWC program that links employees with backup care options. The employer subsidizes the cost, helping to alleviate some of the financial burden on its employees. The FWC handles most aspects related to subsidy management and provides the participating employer with detailed statistics that show return on investment.

The program has experienced significant growth over a ten-year period. In 1995, about 1,500 backup care days were arranged. In 2005, over 28,000 days of backup care were arranged, with nearly 20,000 work days calculated as being salvaged.

Other initiatives
Another focus of the FWC is on state-supported preschool education, since children exhibit so much brain development before the age of three.