Brookline Resident Helps Raise Funds to Strengthen Families

Boston, MA, November 8, 2013—Colin Stokes addressed the crowd of parents and supporters at Families First’s 12th Annual Fathers’ Breakfast, challenging them to think about what popular movies are telling their kids about what is expected of them as boys and girls. He highlighted the fact that kids’ movies, especially, tend to have few female characters with actual lives that don’t revolve around those of male characters. With the Bechdel Test in the news this past week, the talk was timely, and many of the parents present found it eye-opening.

Afterwards Stokes said, “Families First helps parents think deeply about many aspects of parenting so they can make intentional decisions about who they want to be as parents and how they influence their kids. Today, because media is so pervasive, the media parents choose to share with kids and how they talk about it has become very important. It’s great that Families First is encouraging conversation about that in its programs and here today.”

Sylvia Smith followed Stokes by telling her own story. Smith is a participant in the Families First-led Parenting Circle program serving clients of Higher Ground in Roxbury. Having survived a tough childhood in foster care, she relies on Families First’s discussion sessions to guide her in what she says is an ongoing process of learning to be the nurturing, supportive parent she never had.

John Hancock is the lead sponsor of the Fathers’ Breakfast, which is hosted by a committee made up of fathers—and other men who care about children’s healthy development—who are also prominent business and community leaders from around the greater Boston area. Gary Creem of Proskauer Rose LLP, Brookline resident Russell Oken of  Irwin Realty Partners, and Michael Kohn of John Hancock are the Co-Chairs of the Fathers’ Breakfast Committee.   

“Families First empowers parents with knowledge so they can realize their aspirations as parents and be the strongest supports they can be for their children,” said Michael Kohn. “The love Sylvia has for her child is palpable. She’s learned so much and come so far, there’s really no stopping her now.”

Families First began the Fathers’ Breakfast twelve years ago to celebrate the critical role that fathers play in the lives of their children. This year 200 business and community leaders gathered at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel to continue the tradition.

“There was such amazing energy in the room today,” said Executive Director Liz Cohen. “I was really moved to see how many dads took time out of their schedules to come—and I’m grateful to everyone who gave a gift in connection with the event. Their generosity really pushes our work forward.”

About Families First Parenting Programs

Strong parenting increases the likelihood of lasting school and life success for children. Because we know all parents need help with this profoundly challenging work, Families First guides parents and caregivers to engage with their children in a new way, transforming uncertainty and vulnerability into knowledge and resilience, allowing families and children to reach their full potential. Families First builds positive relationships between parents and their children by educating both families and the professionals who serve them through inspiring, hands-on workshop series.  

More than 90 non-profit organizations from across eastern Massachusetts partner with Families First, which utilizes expert Parenting Educators and research-based parenting curriculum to serve families with little or no access to critical parenting supports. Families First’s workshops provide parents with information about child development and techniques for positive discipline and improving family relationships. Families First also builds the capacity of selected partner organizations to engage and support parents through professional training and technical assistance. Because children are the future, parenting is Families First’s focus.

About Colin Stokes

Colin Stokes is Managing Director of Brand and Communications for Citizen Schools and a former actor. His widely popular TEDxBeaconStreet talk, “How Movies Teach Manhood,” has been viewed more than one million times, positioning Stokes as an expert on media and children. His blog, Zoom Out, at colinstokes.blogspot.com, also addresses the subject.