by Lisa Trevino Cummins, NAHF Steering Committee Member
We, as leaders of NAHF, were inspired last week as we watched more than 150 individuals in Puerto Rico receive certificates after completing an extensive course on family strengthening.
The ceremony was the culmination of more than two years of work launched by NAHF and its partners when we hosted a roundtable discussion in 2009 on the family. During that meeting many needs and issues were raised, and NAHF accepted an invitation to conduct a three-day strategic planning session in March 2010. This event brought together a group of more than 40 passionate, high-capacity individuals who deliberated how they could serve their communities. The outcome was the formation of the Puerto Rican Family Service Alliance, a group dedicated to strengthening Hispanic families and communities.
It was with trepidation and excitement that this organization launched its first round of family leadership classes in October 2010. The program was highly successful. For many participants, the completion ceremony last week was their first “graduation” experience, which included the playing of the national anthem, commendations from the local Mayor, a commencement speaker, presentations from select participants on their experiences, and the opportunity for each graduate to walk across the stage to receive a certificate.
I know the event was one that will never be forgotten by participants and leaders alike. There were few dry eyes as participants spoke about their ability to better communicate with their children, improved self-esteem, ability to be better employees, and commitment to practice and share the princples they learned.
Following the four-hour graduation ceremony, the leaders of the PR Family Service Alliance (at least two-thirds of whom have PhDs, and others with more than 30 years experience in professional careers) held a debriefing. With tears of thankfulness, they said they were excited about their progress and the future work of the organization.
At NAHF, we consider this experience to be a huge success, and look forward to replicating it in other areas.