A very special thanks to Dr. Yetta Lewis and Gestalt School for allowing Families Matter’s 12 Principles of Manhood classes to continue. As she stated during our Collaborate & Celebrate event in October, students in those classes show significant differences in behavior and in how they care for themselves, instructors, and their fellow students.

The AFIRM (A Father’s Involvement Really Matters) program continues, and the excitement does as well. The individuals involved report that the program has been “life-changing” for them. Many have secured living-wage positions, some have started businesses, and some are continuing a school project that will help propel them into a higher standard of living.

Upon release, we will be excited to share the evaluator’s report, which considered all AFIRM program accounts and gave the program high praise for its work in enhancing and supporting fathers and their families.

Our father-strengthening educational opportunities continue. The Dynamic Dads program continues at Baptist Hospital. We invite you to peruse the schedule shown in the graphic below.

Recently, I celebrated with the Thompson family, whose children, Ermya and Michael Jr., were accepted to medical school simultaneously. Imagine the excitement that the family is experiencing. Everyone who knows them is hugely excited about the accomplishments these young people have already achieved and will continue to achieve.

African Americans have always made significant contributions to the advancement of every area of life. Whether it is in civic leadership, education, literature, the arts and entertainment, science, technology and innovation, business, religion, medicine, or the military, the accomplishments are staggering. The celebration is not limited to a single month; accomplishments are celebrated throughout our daily lives.

None of Families Matter’s accomplishments would be possible without individuals like you who support our educational initiatives. I appreciate your support as we work intentionally with fathers, young men and boys, women, and girls to strengthen families, change lives, and transform Memphis. As we bring hope to an individual, we bring hope to our city.

In November, I had the pleasure of serving as one of the emcees for Memphis’ first-ever HOPE Summit. My cohost was Pastor Reginald Boyce, Special Assistant to City of Memphis Mayor, Paul Young. As organizations work with our city/county leaders and Agape Child & Family Services to embrace the Science of Hope, we will achieve our goal of moving Memphis from last to first. At Families Matter, our overarching goal is to support families in achieving their dreams – hope personified.

As always, thank you for allowing me to lead an organization dedicated to the entire family – Families Matter. I am indebted to the Families Matter board of directors, the staff, and those who allow us to enter their lives and drive change in support of children in the best way possible.

Carol A. Jackson

Executive Director

Families Matter