For Jewel Melendez, Families First was more than a parenting program. It was life changing.
“Families First has impacted me not only as a parent but as a human being, and as someone passionate about helping others,” she shares.
Through the Parent Leadership Series, Jewel discovered something deeper: her voice as an advocate. “These experiences didn’t just support my parenting, they activated critical thinking, leadership, and advocacy skills that I carried close to my heart.”
Her passion turned toward addressing child and family separations in Massachusetts. With the skills she gained, Jewel gave her first presentation and researched the statistics. She saw the need was widespread and felt called to take action. Out of this, she founded Massachusetts Advocacy for Families and Children, which now has a growing online presence and was recently accepted into the EforAll Business Accelerator Program.
Jewel also enrolled at UMass Lowell, where she is studying law. “It feels like a natural next step in learning how to better serve and support others in my community,” she says.
Reflecting on her journey, Jewel says:
“It’s not just an organization or a program, it’s life changing. And not just for me, but for my daughter, and for countless families who will be supported because of the seed that was planted through Families First.”
Parents like Jewel are finding their voice, their confidence, and their purpose. Thank you for helping us plant the seeds of leadership that ripple out across families and communities.
