FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2025
Shelburne, VT – Every year, over 200,000 families across the United States face the challenge of having their children hospitalized for long-term stays. In these situations, caregivers often need flexible work arrangements to provide the support their child requires.
The Unbuckled Foundation, founded in 2023 by Becca and Blain Newton in response to Becca being terminated by her employer after their three-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia, empowers caregivers of children with long-term illnesses or disabilities by connecting them with essential legal resources. These services, now being piloted at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital, reach families who need support while managing their children’s health.
“As a mother and executive who lost my job when my son was diagnosed with cancer, I understand firsthand the immense challenges of balancing work, life, and caregiving,” says Newton. “At Unbuckled, our mission is to support caregivers and employers by offering access to critical legal resources. By easing these burdens, we help families focus on what truly matters—caring for their children.”
Julia Connor, Pediatric Oncology Social Worker at UVM Children’s Hospital, worked closely with the Newton family when they were first admitted in March 2023. “My job is to support families as they navigate life after their child’s diagnosis. Watching Becca juggle caregiving and work demands, it was clear there was a gap in what we could provide,” recalls Connor. “Now, through Unbuckled, we have a valuable resource to help families facing similar challenges.”
Unbuckled is partnering with WorkLife Law, a national advocacy and research organization dedicated to advancing the rights of family caregivers in the workplace and in education. Together, they provide caregivers with vital legal support, including guidance on existing laws and assistance in negotiating with employers.
“Caregivers have workplace rights but are rarely aware of them. Our team at the Center for WorkLife Law is thrilled to partner with Unbuckled to ensure that parents have the legal assistance they need to keep their jobs secure in their time of need,” says Co-Director of WorkLife Law, Jessica Lee, J.D.
Unbuckled’s services are designed to alleviate legal and financial stress for caregivers, improving their quality of life and reducing the likelihood of their children being readmitted to the hospital and suffering complications. The organization also supports employers by helping them navigate the complexities of caregiver accommodations when employees need to take time off to care for their children.
“I know that thriving businesses are built on a foundation of strong, supported individuals, and that can be challenging in a complex care situation,” says Tina Bissonette, Former CFO, Financial Consultant and Unbuckled Board Member. “Companies face many decisions when supporting a caregiver, not only understanding the legal and human resources aspects but also the human side of it. By offering legal resources, Unbuckled empowers families to focus on their health and well-being, which ultimately benefits us all. This initiative isn’t just good for families—it’s good for the community and employers.”
Beyond individual support, Unbuckled is committed to driving broader societal change. The foundation works with healthcare providers, organizations, and policymakers to advocate for stronger legal protections, financial aid, and flexible workplace policies for caregivers of children with long-term illnesses.
Sascha Mayer, Founder & CXO of Mamava and an Unbuckled Advisor, recognized early on the impact Unbuckled could have in the caregiver space. “At Mamava, we believe in supporting our employees beyond the workplace, recognizing that their well-being extends into every aspect of their lives,” says Mayer. “When I learned about Unbuckled’s mission to provide legal support to caregivers, I immediately thought of the incredible work being done by WorkLife Law. Unbuckled’s unique focus on pediatrics, combined with WorkLife Law’s years of experience in the caregiving space, made it clear this would be a powerful partnership. I’m excited to see them working together to provide this vital service to both caregivers and employers.”
“No parent ever expects to hear the words, ‘Your child has cancer,’” says Newton. “In the chaos that followed, I was fortunate to have a network of people who could help me navigate the situation with my employer. Not every family has that kind of support, and I felt compelled to help.”
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About Unbuckled
Founded in 2023, Unbuckled is committed to empowering caregivers of children with long-term illness or disability by connecting them and their employers with essential legal and financial resources. Our mission is to ensure that caregivers have the support they need to navigate their professional and personal responsibilities while equipping employers with the tools to foster a compassionate and adaptable workplace.
About WorkLife Law
The Center for WorkLife Law is a national advocacy and research organization that advances gender and racial equity by strengthening legal rights for pregnant people and family caregivers. Our work seeks to ensure all people have the freedom to build and maintain economic security through employment and educational opportunities, without having to sacrifice their health or their loved ones’ care. https://worklifelaw.org
For more information and to find out how you can help, please visit Unbuckled.org or contact Marissa Strayer-Benton at Marissa@unbuckled.org
Contact: Marissa Strayer-Benton
marissa@unbuckled.org
Unbuckled.org