Shareef Smith—the father of a set of 4-year-old twins and a current Parent Leadership Program participant recently shared his experience with us:
“It is no exaggeration to say that parents need all the support they can get. And even more so, children don’t just need their mother, their father, or what-have-you: Children need a community that supports them and helps them grow and thrive.
Recently, I was at a school meeting for parents about their children’s individualized education plans, a program used in special education. You could tell a lot of parents had anxiety and frustration, and many didn’t know how to voice their concerns and questions.
But in groups like the Power of Parenting and Parent Leadership programs offered by Families First, you learn to come together and help each other advocate for your children.
This meeting was a great example of where I could not only step up to help other parents by giving them some tips and techniques I’ve learned from the program, but also help them find their voice and get the answers they needed. Sharing your experience is so helpful and ensures that parents know they are not alone. That is what Families First does. Families First helps us become advocates for one another and our community. It’s really a powerful thing.
So I want to ask you this holiday season to make a gift to Families First and help support more parents. Because when you support a parent, you are supporting a community. Thank you.”
