Reflecting on Our First Virtual Impact Celebration

On June 27^th, Parenting Matters hosted its inaugural Virtual Impact Celebration, a heartwarming event that showcased the profound impact of our work in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. As we look back, it is clear that this gathering was not just an event but a celebration of the resilience, dedication, and love that our families and supporters embody every day.

The event was an opportunity to recognize the incredible efforts of our staff, board members, and community partners. Special thanks were extended to the local Exchange Clubs and Enrique Pino from Magnfi, whose volunteer efforts have significantly supported our programming. Katie’s heartfelt gratitude set a celebratory tone, and the collective applause (represented by a flurry of clap emojis) underscored the community spirit that defines Parenting Matters.

Dr. Kameron Hodgens, Director of Community Leadership at the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, eloquently shared her reflections on the importance of community resources for parents. As a parent herself, Dr. Hodgens spoke to the critical role Parenting Matters plays in helping families navigate the challenges of parenting. Her remarks emphasized the value of our programs, which offer parents new skills and support to foster their children’s development.

The stories shared by the families we serve were the highlight of the event. We heard from Ingrid and Willy, participants in our Parent Partner program, who detailed their journey of blending their families and finding effective ways to communicate and support each other. Their story illustrated the transformative power of tailored, in-home support, and the significant strides their family has made with the help of Parenting Matters.

Rae, another Parent Partner participant, shared her incredible journey from homelessness to achieving stability and success. Her determination and the support she received from Parenting Matters have enabled her to build a bright future for herself and her daughter. Rae’s story was a powerful reminder of the impact of community support and the resilience of the human spirit.

Mary, a participant in our Chosen Families program, shared the challenges and triumphs of adopting and raising her granddaughter. Her story highlighted the comprehensive support provided by Parenting Matters, from parenting education to counseling and advocacy. Mary’s journey exemplifies the strength and dedication of grandparents who step into parenting roles and the positive changes that can result from targeted support.

As we reflected on these stories, we were reminded of the core of our mission: to support parents in building strong, healthy families. The event also celebrated the fun and joy of parenting, as illustrated by our Musical Motion program, which helps young children achieve developmental milestones and supports parents during the challenging early years.

As we closed the event, the sense of community and shared purpose was palpable. The generous support of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and all our partners and donors makes our work possible. Thank you to everyone who shares in our commitment to the continued journey of supporting and celebrating parents and children.

Remember, parenting is like sharing cookies and tea: there are sweet moments, warm connections, and always better together. Cheers to all our wonderful families and supporters!

Shawniece – Musical Motion Parent Participant