March is known in the corporate world as Women’s month. The month of March is recognized yearly because it focuses on the way women have contributed to society and culture. In many careers, women are encouraged to celebrate the month by selecting a day to bring their daughters to work with them. The intention is to help create a desire in young girls to examine non-traditional fields of study. This month, I celebrate women who make a significant difference in Memphis and Shelby County, highlighted in the Memphis Business Journal.

A woman who made a tremendous impact in my life was Mrs. Geneva Spencer, my mother. She adopted me when I was nine years old, giving me her name and sharing the ambitions she endeavored to achieve with me. She showed me how to look beyond our circumstances to the possibilities of what could be. Her love and enthusiasm carried me through many times of success and disappointment. Her contributions in life fed my spirit, made it possible for me to dream impossible dreams and achieve them, create all-world project management styles, and continue to be committed to moving forward in life no matter the circumstances. She taught me the importance of family – that Families do Matter.

At Families Matter we are motivated by the awareness that boys and girls can grow up with hopes and dreams of creating successful lives. However, in some cases, their home environment is not favorable to supporting their efforts. I learned that it is not the amount of money a family has that supports children in learning and becoming self-sufficient – it is the power of love, caring, and understanding that encourages them to begin the steps towards success. We know that all things are possible with God and we work diligently to provide leadership that empowers others.

Our mission is to strengthen families, change lives, and transform Memphis. We intend to support parents as we assist them in understanding the need to help their children become their best selves.

Please help us make a difference in a child’s life by encouraging male and female parents to participate with us in parenting sessions offered by Families Matter.

Thank you,

Carol A. Jackson