March Message from Carol Jackson, Executive Director
Posted March 20, 2025
The month of March is recognized for its emphasis on highlighting the contributions of women to society and culture. In many careers, women were encouraged to celebrate the month by selecting a day to bring their daughters to work with them. The intention is to encourage young girls to explore non-traditional fields of study. This month, I celebrate the women who make a significant difference in Memphis and Shelby County.
The woman in my life who had a tremendous impact on me was my mother, Mrs. Geneva Spencer. She began raising me when I was 18 months old and adopted me when I was nine years old. She gave me her name and shared with me the ambitions she endeavored to achieve. She told me about how things were when she was growing up and how she desired to receive the education I was privileged to have. 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 disappointment and success. Her contributions to my life fueled my spirit, making it possible for me to dream impossible dreams and achieve them, develop innovative project management styles, and remain committed to moving forward in life, no matter the circumstances. She taught me the importance of family – that Families Matter. She was the force that propelled me to grow and learn.
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 many cases, their home environment is not favorable to supporting their desires. I learned that it is not the amount of money a family has that supports children’s learning and their journey toward self-sufficiency. Rather, it is the power of love, caring, and understanding that encourages them to take the first steps toward success.
Families Matter’s mission is to strengthen families, change lives, and transform Memphis. We aim to support parents by helping them understand the importance of guiding their children to become their best selves.
Your financial support will help us make a difference in a child’s life. Our work with fathers, mothers, and youth provides facilitation and instruction that encourages all to be active participants in their lives, creating the success they want to achieve.
Thank you!
Carol Jackson, Executive Director