To all who participated in the Families Matter Collaborate & Celebrate event 2025 – THANK YOU. From what I am told, the event was terrific. I was too nervous to enjoy things as they happened; however, I am thrilled to hear the positive comments, receive the personal notes, and see the meaningful moments captured in pictures.

A very special thanks to Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon and to Gestalt Community Schools co-founder, Yetta Lewis, for the confidence placed in Families Matter to serve your clients and students. Your remarks gave the audience a glimpse into how we work together to serve Memphis and Shelby County. Thank you for allowing us to partner with your organizations—we are honored.

Thank you to Pastor Ivory Jackson for sharing his incredible vocal talents with us, and to the amazing Crystal Jones – people continue to request your contact information for bookings. Maestro Derrick Jackson – how your fingers glide across the piano and organ scales always mesmerizes me – thank you for your constant support of Families Matter.

To the panel of fathers who shared their stories with us—thank you. Mr. Robert Barlow, Mr. Lester Davis, Mr. Charlie Golden, Mr. Malachi JaJa, Mr. Damien Leakes, Mr. Jervys Malone, and Mr. DeAndre McLakes, your voices offered the audience an honest look into the lives of fathers who love and care for their children but are not always seen as necessary by the family, the system, or even the children. You exemplified strength and exceptional character, and your voices were not only heard but also listened to.

As I stated at the beginning of this note, the event was terrific. I wish everyone who reads this newsletter could have experienced the excitement of the evening.

At Families Matter, we need your support. During the Collaborate & Celebrate event, we highlighted Families Matter AFIRM (A Father’s Involvement Really Matters), our intervention program. We aimed to showcase how our efforts are positively impacting communities in Memphis. However, it is now essential that we shift our focus to our prevention programs: The 12 Principles of Manhood, Dynamic Dads, and Connections. We need your support.

Please consider donating so we can continue running these programs in schools, churches, hospitals, and with our partners. There is a saying: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That is what we are doing with our collaborating partners; we are working to prevent the spread of the social ills of fatherlessness across Memphis and Shelby County.

For additional information and to donate, please visit familiesmattermemphis.org or call 901-260-8520.

Carol A. Jackson

Executive Director