Hey John,

My name is Justin Baldoni and I am a filmmaker and actor, but more importantly I am a friend of Caring Across Generations. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to write to you and share a project that I have been working on in partnership with our movement, Man Enough, and Caring Across Generations. We have created a five-part miniseries called Man Enough to Care to explore masculinity in the context of caregiving.

Since last March we’ve seen more people than ever step into the role of caregiver during the ongoing pandemic, bringing to light the urgent need for better support for individuals who need care and for the loved ones who care for them. But as you know, this need isn’t new.

Throughout this pandemic, I have been having conversations with my friends and with Caring Across’ Director and Co-Founder, Ai-jen Poo about the often overlooked work of caregiving in this country. It has long been considered “women’s work,” but the truth is, there are 20 million male and male-identifying caregivers currently in the U.S. and it’s time that we talk about it!

Man Enough to Care is an opportunity to do just that. Men who are caregivers sat down together with me to bravely share their stories and experiences, while also advocating for the community of caregivers and their loved ones. The series features former NFL player Devon Still, actor Nathan Kress (iCarly, Star Wars Rebels), comedian and writer, Zach Anner (Speechless), Robert Espinoza (advocate and expert on care), and Caring Across’ very own, Ai-jen Poo.

Watch the first episode of the new series Man Enough, A Love That Comes Full Circle →

Starting today — Valentine’s Day — we are releasing one episode each day leading up to National Caregivers Day on Friday, February 19th. These conversations have been nothing short of eye-opening and heart-opening for me, as it’s allowed me to see the role and responsibility we all have in care teams. I’m incredibly grateful to have been able to talk with Devon, Nathan, Zach and Robert about what makes each of them, and myself, man enough to care.

It is my hope that you see parts of yourself and your loved ones in these stories, and that this series can help shine a light on the depth of love that caregivers have, and the need for the support they deserve. If you want to keep up with the episode releases, you can also follow Man Enough and Caring Across Generations on social media. We’ll be releasing special content to go with each episode on social media, so we hope you will follow along!

In Care,

Justin