A Call to Action: How Ohio Businesses Can Strengthen Families

A letter from Monty Lobb, Executive Director of the Christian Business Partnership.

I hope you're doing well! I wanted to take a moment to connect with you directly about something that matters deeply—not just to me but to the future of our communities across Ohio.

You see, businesses, whether you're the employee or employer, have a powerful and often overlooked opportunity to strengthen the fabric of family life in our state.

After the foundational support from the Church, the day-to-day realities of stable work, steady income, and good benefits—many of which are shaped by employers—help keep families strong.

That's why we're encouraging businesses to take three practical but meaningful steps right now:

1. Provide regular, full-time work
   Too many employees are kept below full-time status—often with odd hours—especially in the service sector. The lack of benefits and non-standard scheduling limits their ability to financially support their families and find childcare, and it strains their relationships. Regular, full-time hours not only provide crucial income and benefits but also contribute to stronger marriages and better caregiving at home. 

2. Promote the value of strong marriages
   Businesses can help shift cultural marriage perceptions in a healthy direction by showcasing marriage in their advertising. Businesses in healthcare and people-focused industries like counseling are uniquely positioned to support marriage and family stability. A conversation on the value of marriage, helpful resources on relationships, and encouragement from a trusted provider to keep a marriage together can make a lasting difference for children, parents, and couples. 

3. Support growing families with baby bonuses
   Welcoming a child—whether through birth or adoption—is a beautiful but often financially stressful time. A "baby bonus" tailored to what your company can afford sends a powerful message: we see you, we value family, and we've got your back. This not only helps families, it builds loyalty among employees.

Ohio's families are the foundation of our communities—and businesses are in a prime position to help them thrive. Would you partner with us in our work to educate and equip businesses across Ohio to support the marriages and families of their employees?

With your help, we will see workplaces that don't just employ people but actively support the most important institution in their lives: their families.

Sincerely,

Monty Lobb
Christian Business Partnership
Executive Director