There is something that happens when a story is told out loud, in a room full of people who are listening … really listening. It shifts something. It reminds us why any of this matters.
On June 16, supporters, partners, staff, and families gathered for our 2026 IMPACT Celebration—a special event dedicated not to statistics or reports, but to stories.
Every year, Parenting Matters serves thousands of children and parents across our community. While those numbers help tell part of our story, they can never fully capture what meaningful support looks like in the life of a family. The IMPACT Celebration was created to focus on the people behind the numbers—the parents, grandparents, caregivers, and children whose journeys remind us why this work matters.
This year, five families courageously shared their experiences.
Teena spoke about bringing her granddaughter, Journey, to Musical Motion each week. Through music, movement, and play, she has watched Journey grow in confidence, communication, and social development. Her story was a beautiful reminder that some of the most important childhood learning happens through connection and joyful interaction.
Joe and Leyla shared the realities of navigating parenthood as a couple with very different parenting styles. They spoke openly about the challenges they faced and how their Parenting Educator, Jackie, helped them recognize their individual triggers, communicate more effectively, and approach parenting as a united team. They credited that support not only with strengthening their parenting, but with strengthening their marriage as well.
Dana reflected on the challenges of raising a family while adapting to life in a new country. She described feeling uncertain and overwhelmed before connecting with Parenting Matters. After her first visit with her Parenting Educator, Kayla, she remembers feeling something she had not felt in a long time: hope. Knowing someone understood her situation and was willing to walk alongside her changed the trajectory of her journey.
Mike and Wendy shared the story of becoming parents almost overnight when they welcomed the daughters who would later become part of their forever family through adoption. They admitted that, like many parents, they didn’t have all the answers. Over the years, Parenting Matters has remained a trusted source of support through counseling, educational advocacy, respite services, and the many resources available through the Chosen Families program as their daughters have grown and their needs have changed.
Pam’s story was one of resilience and determination. After finding sobriety, she committed herself to becoming the best parent possible for her young son. When she connected with Parenting Matters, she found more than services—she found support. She shared how her Parenting Educator, Tracey, has been a consistent source of encouragement, guidance, and partnership as she continues to build a healthy future for her family.
The celebration concluded with a Musical Motion demonstration that invited guests to experience the world through a young child’s eyes. Armed with finger puppets, egg shaker maracas, and colorful scarves, participants sang, danced, counted, and laughed together. For a few moments, the room was transformed into a Musical Motion classroom—full of curiosity, connection, and joy.
Each story shared that afternoon was unique, but a common thread ran through all of them: no parent is meant to navigate life’s challenges alone. Sometimes the most meaningful change begins with a listening ear, a trusted guide, or someone willing to walk alongside a family during a difficult season.
These stories are the reason Parenting Matters exists. They are also a reflection of what is possible when a community invests in families. Behind every success story is a network of supporters, volunteers, partners, and advocates who believe that children thrive when parents have the support they need.
Thank you for helping make these stories possible.