At Families First, we are so proud to work with parents across the Greater Boston Area. Their power, resilience, and strength inspire us every day.

James Mickles, a recent Power of Parenting program participant, embodies the power that parents have to impact their children’s lives. Recently, James shared his story and his experience with Families First. He said:

There are many parents out there who are on the verge of giving up. I was there, too. But I want those parents—and all parents—to hear my story.

My name is James. Growing up, my mother had to work two jobs just to make ends meet. She did her best, but I didn’t have the emotional support I wanted or needed.

When my son was taken away from his mother by the Department of Children and Families, I thought back to my childhood. I realized it was up to me to give my son a different experience from what I had. So I stepped up.

In the spring of this year, I attended Families First’s virtual Power of Parenting program.

During the program, it was like a lightbulb turned on. I thought I was the only one going through things as a parent, but through the program, I realized I was not alone. We were in a trusting, welcoming, and warm environment—even virtually. We all saw each other’s faces every week and we were “there” for one another.

The program was so helpful, particularly right now. I learned how to be the parent I wanted to be and not the parent I saw growing up. The program introduced me to different strategies that I can try with my son, and I incorporate these every day. In the end, it gave me the tools that I needed to get my son back.

I want to tell everyone this story because, at the end of the day, my son is where he needs to be: with me. Any parent can step up like I did to give their child a brighter future. And Families First is there to support you and bring your strengths to light.