Roadmaps to Health Community Grantee 2013 Progress

The beginning of a new year is a great opportunity to reflect on some of the Roadmaps to Health Community Grantee successes achieved in 2013. While several grantees made progress in their efforts, some secured policy changes or received national recognition for their work.

Community Service Society of New York (CSS-NY) was instrumental in the campaign to pass a New York City ordinance mandating that employers provide employees with a minimum number of sick leave absences. In June, a bill granting most employees in the city at least five sick days became law. As a result, millions of city residents will be able to stay home when ill or care for a sick relative without the fear of losing income or their livelihood.

• Read an interview with Nancy Rankin of CSS-NY to learn more about the law and campaign.

Take Action Minnesota Education Fund helped to secure statewide fair hiring standards with the passage of “ban the box”. Signed into law in May, “ban the box” prohibits employers in Minnesota from including a check box about criminal history on the initial employment application. Additionally, because of TakeAction Minnesota’s efforts Target Corporation announced it will “ban the box” from its applications nationwide.

• To learn more, read an interview with Justin Terrell of TakeAction Minnesota

Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development (BUILD) spurred the largest investment in Baltimore city public schools in nearly 40 years with the passage of legislation that authorizes financing to generate $1 billion for school construction and renovation. Signed into law in May, this financing will eventually result in the creation of 15 new schools and infrastructure repairs to more than 35 city schools.

• Listen to the Tom Joyner Morning Show interview with Bishop Miles of BUILD

The Osborne Association’s work to raise awareness about the impact of parental incarceration on children and families, as well as efforts to reform the state’s sentencing practices, received national recognition in 2013. In June, Elizabeth Gaynes, Executive Director of Osborne Association, was honored by the White House as a national Champion of Change for her dedication to children of incarcerated parents.

• Elizabeth Gaynes discusses parental incarceration and family impact assessments with NewPublic Health.