By Jake Hornstein & Greg Hill, Our Children Have Rights (OCHR)
A parenting plan details a time-sharing schedule and addresses decision-making regarding the child’s education, healthcare, and well-being. It outlines clear responsibilities and creates predictable schedules, providing both parents and the children with structure for everyday life.
Divorcing parents learn about parenting plans because they have to. Divorce is required to legally unmarry, and parenting plans are required for divorce with minor children. Unmarried parents are at a disadvantage. With no divorce requirement, they may not engage in the family court system, thus never gain knowledge about the powerful benefits of a parenting plan.
When parents gain knowledge of parenting plans they can “achieve a successful co-parenting strategy.” Strategies that pave the way to upward economic mobility. With set schedules and childcare, single parents can confidently commit to a workforce program. We recognized this and set our sights on Tampa Bay’s healthcare sector.
Tampa Bay has a healthcare workforce shortage. Rapid population growth led to staff burnout. Hospitals face increased labor costs competing for a limited pool of trained workers. And provider shortages are disrupting access to care. Successful co-parenting is the solution.
Effective Nov. 12, we launched a Co-Parenting Workforce Initiative with Evara Health Institute. The initiative aims to help low-income single parents achieve co-parenting strategies that accelerate participation in healthcare education and training. We provide co-parenting education and career pathing to address workforce shortages within our healthcare sector.
Elodie Dorso, CEO & President, Evara Health, shared what the initiative means: “At Evara Health Institute, we believe education is the foundation for empowerment. This partnership allows us to meet parents where they are – helping them balance family, education, and career. By combining co-parenting support with healthcare training, we’re not only opening doors to meaningful careers but also strengthening families and the future healthcare workforce of our community.”
Our award-winning education integrates school readiness and workforce opportunities. This requires a neighbor that understands community needs, delivers exceptional student services and high-quality programs in a high-demand sector. We were intentional in pursuing Evara Health Institute, they are the lead trailblazer in healthcare education.
Activities offered at no cost include workshops, educational materials, community events & outreach. We’ve conducted these over the year, building trust, rapport with EHI staff, and gained knowledge of the five programs. Activities, while on-going, are not funded, and we invite others to join us in the important initiative. To learn more, contact us directly jakehornstein@ourchildrenhaverights.com or www.OCHR.org.
OCHR is a 501c3 nonprofit that helps parents achieve successful co-parenting strategies, at no cost to the family.
Why? Because Our Children Have Rights.