About Families Matter

The root of many of the problems in Memphis and Shelby County is well-documented – systemic failures in the biblically based family unit. These failures are a major cause of infant mortality, spousal and child abuse, youth violence, absence of discipline, lack of respect for others, under-achieving students, crime, single-parent families and the cycle of people living in poverty. Families Matter was founded to combat those issues.

Families Matter was founded in 2004 through a three-year grant from Urban Child Institute of Memphis.  The startup cost was funded to begin a marriage enrichment program developed by Rocky Anthony, a pastor at Second Presbyterian Church.  Interest in Families Matter grew rapidly among Memphis churches which led to many mentors being trained in marriage-strengthening techniques.

In 2008, the Second Presbyterian Church Foundation, Hope Christian Community Foundation and the Irvin Lansky Foundation funded the development of a more comprehensive Families Matter program that supports healthy marriages and families.

Today, Families Matter’s programs and ministry have been taught in over 30 schools, a multitude of churches and organizations and the demand for Families Matter continues to grow.