I am forever grateful for the opportunities we have to work with families during this season. Recently, I heard a father thank the AFIRM (A Father’s Involvement Really Matters) staff at a Father’s Day celebration. He shared how his daughter thanked him for becoming a better dad because he attended the co-parenting classes offered by Families Matter. This father was not the only one who enjoyed sharing his story; many fathers shared their experiences of learning, forgiveness, and resilience.

According to Mike Arnold, one of our program’s Master Facilitators, hearing men share what they have learned and are now doing for their families transforms his role from just work into true ministry. Those who know me hear me say Families Matter is a ministry where we have the chance to support change in children’s lives by intentionally working with fathers. We want fathers to see that they are a vital part of the family structure. They are needed, and it is in the best interest of the child for dad to be involved in that child’s life.

When I think of this work, my heart fills with gratitude. I am thankful for every staff member who takes their responsibilities seriously and goes above and beyond to support our participants with kindness and respect. You all make a difference in the lives of men who have children and need to be their best.

To participants who enter organizations with a need, allow Families Matter AFIRM staff to support them in reaching a resolution they can embrace.

To those who support us financially, thank you. Your generosity enables us to work with boys, teenagers, fathers, and mothers. Without your financial support, none of what we do would be possible. Your belief in our mission truly inspires me. Thank you.

To our families who support us in doing this work day, night, and on weekends. That’s right, weekends. Much of what we do requires working beyond the typical workweek. To reach this population, we must intentionally go where men gather, making meeting families on the weekend a necessity.

To you, the reader of our newsletters – thank you. Thank you for allowing me to enter your life through social media and for giving you a taste of what Families Matter is all about.

This year-end, we have a very special donor who believes in our mission and has given us an opportunity we couldn’t pass up: a $100,000 matching grant. For every dollar we raise, that dollar will be matched. I hope you will support us in this challenge and help us reach the full $100,000. This donor believes in our ability to support families and help them achieve their goals. Will you help us reach this matching-gift goal—$100,000—by December 31, 2025? 

Carol A. Jackson

Executive Director