Founded in 1996 by Michael Jordan and his family, the Jordan Institute for Families (JIF) works to cultivate safe, stable, nurturing families over the life course, with a special focus on the early, formative years (preconception to age 5). This work spans an array of interrelated initiatives, including in maternal health, racial equity, home visiting, mental health, and child and family well-being. The Institute’s efforts to connect community knowledge with social work research, policy and practice remain firmly rooted in equity and engagement.
Since its founding, the Jordan Institute has been powered by the following goals set forth in the original charter:
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”
– Michael Jordan
- Listening to the questions, concerns, ideas, and voice of communities across North Carolina.
- Translating research knowledge into public policies and practice technologies that support and strengthen families.
- Providing technical assistance, education, and training to policy makers, program managers, service providers, and consumers to ensure that research findings (from social work and other disciplines) are reflected in policy recommendations, in professional practice, and in the ways families interact with human service systems in their communities.
- Encouraging collaboration among the areas of aging, child welfare, criminal justice, disabilities, health, juvenile justice, mental health, public education, and other agencies and organizations that serve families.
- Promoting interdisciplinary family studies and information sharing across health and other professions.
- Promoting intergenerational approaches to support and strengthen families across the life course.
- Fostering an atmosphere of respect for racial and cultural diversity in public policy, research, education, and community service.
The Jordan Institute for Families and its affiliated programs secure extramural funding to support their activities. Through public engagement and service, the Jordan Institute helps to advance the mission of the larger University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
