Mother-Baby Friendly Workplace by the Breast-Feeding Coalition of Greater Sacramento
Frank Zaccari Insurance Agency honored for supporting breast-feeding
Cammie Maciel jokes that her 4-month-old daughter is her company’s youngest employee.
"She works very hard," Maciel said with a laugh. So does Maciel, an
insurance agent at Frank Zaccari Insurance Agency in Elk Grove, CA. That
is why the Elk Gove mother is relieved to be able to pump breast milk
for Alysah on the job.
"I’m so grateful for it. It’s why I continue to work as hard as I do,"
Maciel said. "For Alysah to see my face, that bond is so important, and
I’m still able to provide for my family, which is huge."
The Zaccari Agency was one of six local employers that were honored as
mother-baby friendly workplaces at the Breast-Feeding Coalition of
Greater Sacramento ceremony held at the State Capitol on August 13,
2009.
The Zaccari Agency has long been friendly to mothers with children.
Maciel, a mother of four, also brings her three school-age children to
work on occasion.
And fellow agent Isabel Zamudio, the only other employee, sometimes
brings her 8-year-old daughter. Several customers also bring their
children to the office when they have a appointment for a Friendly
Review.
The children are made to feel welcome. A tiny kitchen is packed with
snacks and juices and a spare office has a television, DVDs and a
computer. When needed, the same room becomes "Baby Central," with a
bassinet, toys and privacy for mother and baby.
Zaccari said providing time and space for his staff makes sense.
"We are a small office with two outstanding employees who happen to have
small children, so we did what we had to do to make things work. Cammie
and Isabel can come to work, and I get the use of two excellent
employees. It’s not hard to take care of the people who take care of
you."
That sentiment is what drives the awards, showing that a workplace
friendly to breast-feeding mothers is good for the employer, the
employee and the business.
"Breast-feeding helps families save more money. It helps the employer
save money, and the employees don’t have to miss as much work. The
family and employee win, the employer keeps a valued employee - it makes
sense all the way." said Jeannette Newman-Velez, a coordinator for the
state Women, Infants and Children Program and an organizer of the local
award program.
Zaccari said "We are all part of this community. We all work to provide
for and protect our families. It is important for my staff and customers
to feel comfortable and welcome when they come to the office. It’s the
right thing to do."