Rest as Resistance, Renewal as Power: The Adelante Mujeres Sabbatical Benefit
As a social justice organization, we carry stories that are heavy with truth and bright with possibility. We hold space for healing, for courage, and for transformation. We do this day after day, even when it asks more of us than we sometimes have to give.
At Adelante Mujeres, our staff members show up with corazón, offering compassion, skill, and unwavering commitment to our community. Yet the work of supporting families navigating systemic barriers is emotionally and physically demanding. Burnout is real, and the risks are high.
That’s why we believe rest is necessary. It is how we ensure that our mission continues to flourish for generations to come. A meaningful expression of that belief is our Sabbatical Benefit.
A Promise Rooted in Care
Our sabbatical policy was created with a simple, powerful intention: to honor the dedication of employees who have given ten years of continuous service to our organization and community. Eligible staff can take one month of fully paid leave to rest, recharge, and reconnect with life outside of work. 10% of our staff have already taken or are eligible and planning on taking their sabbatical.
This benefit is a statement of our values and proof that our people are not only the backbone of our mission, they are its beating heart.
Employees continue to receive pay and benefits during sabbatical leave and keep accruing vacation time. They return to work replenished, supported, and ready to bring renewed energy and creativity to their roles.
Because when we take care of our people, our people take care of the community. And we all rise together.
Why Sabbaticals Matter in Social Justice Work
Research and lived experience tell us what many of us already know: rest transforms us. Sabbaticals strengthen nonprofit organizations by reducing burnout, increasing retention, building strong leadership pipelines, and inspiring innovation.
Time away creates space for new perspectives and deeper clarity. It strengthens organizational culture. It offers staff the chance to breathe and, sometimes, to rediscover themselves.
As one of our team members, Cristina Delgado, Immigrant Solidarity Program Manager, shared:
“The sabbatical granted me the opportunity to visit a new country and create unforgettable memories with the people I cherish most. The sabbatical holds immense significance for both me and my colleagues, as it reinforces the value of our time of service.”
“Returning from my sabbatical filled me with profound joy, reminding me of the importance of cherishing the things I love and spending meaningful time with my family.”
Cristi’s words remind us that rest isn’t just about stepping away from work. It’s about spending time with our families, focusing on joy, and reaffirming our purpose.
Sabbatical as a Path to Retention and Leadership
For Andrea Chunga-Celis, Director of Development, the sabbatical carries a different but equally powerful meaning. She places her experience within the broader context of the nonprofit and fundraising fields, where burnout (especially for leaders of color) is widespread:
“According to a 2022 report, Hispanic and Latino individuals make up just 6.4% of the fundraising workforce. With the breakdown of federal funding and threats to nonprofits, burnout has hit all of us.” For Andrea, sabbatical is not a luxury. “Sabbatical is my reminder to recharge. Rest is the way that I can continue to love my work. I am a hopeful person, and like Adelante Mujeres I plan to withstand this storm and be here to support rebuilding our community.”
She emphasizes how vital it is that this benefit belongs to everyone, not just senior leadership. “It was critical to have a sabbatical benefit for the whole organization. Taking time off is a learning process. A sabbatical provides an incentive and push to take a step back, be okay with it, and recharge.”
Andrea also reminds us that sabbaticals help build the next generation of leaders. “It can provide a great opportunity for team members to lead in your place when you are off.”
“My favorite part of my job is when I get to advocate for the programmatic services we provide to key stakeholders and to uplift the voices of the Latine and immigrant community and create stronger allies that benefit us all,” says Andrea. “I started in 2014. It was a whirlwind with a lot of laughter and learning along the way. I still have lots to learn and develop, more storms to handle. In this line of work, I would not have it any other way. After 10 years, I still appreciate Adelante Mujeres’ ability to change, learn, and adapt right alongside its community.”
Walking Forward Together
The sabbatical benefit is a policy that celebrates endurance, love, and community. It acknowledges the deep labor our staff contributes every day and honors the human beings behind that labor.
It says:
We see you.
We value you.
We want you to thrive.
As we continue to grow, adapt, and rise to meet the evolving needs of our community, we carry forward a shared commitment to sustainability, both for the organization and for each of us as individuals. We are grateful for the staff members who have dedicated years of service to this mission. And we are grateful for a community that believes in us and walks beside us every step of the way. Together, we continue building a future rooted in justice, dignity, and collective care.
Do you want to join Adelante Mujeres’ team? Learn more about our current open positions here