NEWARK, NJ — Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) is proud to announce that New Jersey has been selected as one of only ten states nationwide to participate in the Midwifery Policy Collective, a national initiative supporting state-led efforts to strengthen community birth systems and improve maternal health through policy and systems change. The […]
Category: Maternal and Infant Health
Give Dads What They Really Need This Father’s Day!
Michael Cupeles, Men’s Initiative Coordinator with Gateway Community Action Partnership Michael is a fatherhood practitioner and a community engagement leader, specializing in father engagement, family strengthening, prevention strategies, and systems collaboration across New Jersey. Michael serves as Co-Chair of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families Office of Family Voice Fatherhood Engagement Committee and […]
Celebrating Fathers All Week Long
Healthier beginnings and stronger families depend on supporting fathers, too. Join us for these upcoming webinars to share ideas, learn from other fathers, and explore solutions that help children and families thrive. Tuesday, June 16 at 2:00 PM What do fathers need to ensure their children and families thrive? Join us as fathers from diverse […]
Myths and Misconceptions about Doulas
By Rose-Anne Uwague Parent Ambassador, ACNJ Parent Leadership Council In a healthcare system that is often criticized for feeling rushed, impersonal, or even unsafe, especially for Black and brown families, there’s someone whose only role is to be fully present for you. A doula! When I called to learn if my insurance company offers […]
“We’re Here Too!” NJ Fathers Share Stories of Barriers, Bias and Invisibility
Read Executive Summary Download Brief Despite decades of research confirming that father involvement significantly improves children’s social, emotional, academic, and health outcomes, New Jersey fathers — particularly those in under-resourced communities — continue to face a system that was not built with them in mind. This report draws on community conversations with 64 fathers across […]

