A Nudge of Gratitude

Posted July 7, 2026

Recently, during my early-morning devotion, I heard the story of a fifty-ton female humpback whale that had become entangled in a web of crab lines. Hundreds of feet of line and hundreds of pounds of traps were wrapped around her as she struggled to stay afloat. Four divers came to her rescue, carefully swimming beneath her belly. For an hour, they cut rope, a dangerous task since a single flap of her tail could have killed them. After she was freed, rather than immediately escaping, she swam to each diver and gently nudged them. One of the divers reported, “It felt to me like she was thanking us.” I love this story because it reflects what I experience every time I hear a father’s thanks for being allowed to become involved in our AFIRM (A Father’s Involvement Really Matters) program.

AFIRM is life-changing for fathers, their children, and the legacy they will build together.

For many of the men, the Families Matter AFIRM (A Father’s Involvement Really Matters) program has provided a nudge of gratitude to our staff. Fathers have expressed their gratitude by seeking ways to become involved with the program; some have become Crusaders for the program, sharing their stories and helping recruit others; and some have told staff how grateful they are for the opportunity to participate in a program that helped them understand their value in their families‘ lives. The blessing to me, and I believe to the entire staff, is watching family members beam with pride when participants are celebrated and rewarded during graduation.

Every father who discovers his value, strengthens his family, and builds a better future reminds us why this work matters. Thank you for praying, partnering, and believing alongside us as we continue creating hope for families throughout our community.

—Carol A. Jackson, Executive Director