On Jan. 29, Child Care Aware® of America (CCAoA) officially joined the Defense Department’s Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program, the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), through a formal induction ceremony. As part of this partnership, CCAoA became one of more than 200 new organizations joining MSEP, adding to the network of more than 850 employers dedicated to recruiting, hiring, promoting, and retaining military spouses in meaningful careers.
CCAoA’s Vice President of Military Affairs and Respite Care of America’s Executive Director Fran Jamison and CCAoA’s Senior Director of Military Programs Nancy Evans led the organization’s military work and attended the event. As Fran said, “Child Care Aware of America is deeply committed to supporting military spouses and service members, and we are grateful for their service and sacrifice. We recognize that providing meaningful career opportunities for military spouses is not just the right thing to do—it’s good business.”
Nancy agreed. “Military spouses are skilled problem-solvers who bring valuable perspectives to our workforce,” she said. “By joining the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, we aim to provide lasting, fulfilling career opportunities that strengthen both military families and our organization.”
Military spouses often face unique challenges in maintaining consistent employment due to factors related to military life including frequent relocations. Unemployment among active-duty military spouses has remained above 20% for a decade, according to the biannual Survey of Active-Duty Spouses.
Through the MSEP initiative, military spouses are connected with hundreds of partner employers who are committed to supporting their professional growth and success. Since its inception in 2011, MSEP employers have hired more than 340,000 military spouses, helping them build stable, fulfilling careers.
CCAoA’s board member Meredith Lozar knows firsthand the unique knowledge and expertise military spouses offer. She’s an active-duty Marine Corps spouse and leader in the military affairs field. Meredith leads the engagement strategy and vision for the United States Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative.
Providing career opportunities to military spouses strengthens the financial stability of military families and enhances force retention and military readiness—essential components of national security—and CCAoA is proud to participate in this important initiative that boosts the empowerment and support of military spouses across the nation.
“We can’t wait to see what’s next in our strong partnership with the DoD,” Fran added. “Child care is a mission readiness factor, a force multiplier, and a key factor in maintaining national security. Helping military families create and execute strategies that enhance their lives and well-being is a top focus.
CCAoA serves an average of 1,551 military families and provides an average of 544,000 hours of respite for military families with special needs each year. To date, CCAoA has served more than 10 million families and created a network of more than 10,000 licensed care providers through its partnership with the United States Military and Department of Defense.