Daughters of Zion Ignites Joy at Children’s Museum Career Day Christmas Party: Tennessee’s Family First Program Triumphs!
December 21, 2023
Daughters of Zion, a phenomenal recipient of the Tennessee Department of Human Services Family First grant, has left parents and children alike in awe with its outstanding programs and activities. Daughters of Zion recently organized an all-expenses-paid Career Day Christmas Party at the prestigious Children’s Museum of Memphis, and the overwhelming positive response from families was truly heartwarming. The Children’s Museum, designed with a career-focused layout throughout its exhibits, provided the perfect backdrop for this eventful day.
One of the delighted parents, Ms. Natyia Harris, couldn’t contain her excitement as she praised the impactful events arranged by Daughters of Zion’s Family First program. She specifically highlighted the enlightening Career Day Field Trip and Christmas party held at the Children’s Museum, which left a lasting impression on her and her children. Ms. Harris, a dedicated participant of the program, was thrilled to witness her son, Zamarius, not only enjoying the activities but also gaining invaluable knowledge on various subjects, such as the inner workings of FedEx, the science behind tornadoes, and practical life skills like grocery shopping and fishing. The comprehensive and educational nature of these events truly showcased the remarkable impact that the Family First program has on the holistic development of its participants.
Tiffany Ayers, another enthusiastic Family First participant, emphasized the tremendous value of Daughters of Zion’s program, particularly in providing a safe environment for children to flourish. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity it affords her kids to escape the dangers of her “ high crime” community and engage with other children “ in a safe setting.” Tiffany’s children had the chance to explore different activities and learn about various careers, with her daughter, age 10, enjoying the FedEx exhibit, her oldest daughter, age 12, becoming fascinated with the bank section and aspiring to be a banker, and her son, age 6, reveling in the magnets and building blocks area, fueling his passion for engineering. Tiffany emphasized the importance of other parents taking advantage of this remarkable program, highlighting that Daughters of Zion not only benefits the children but also goes the extra mile by supporting adults in pursuing their education and finding jobs. Her satisfaction with the program was palpable.
When asked about the decision to implement more field trips for program participants, Dr. Gerald Kiner, the Program Director, articulated the program’s guiding principles. He emphasized the significance of broadening the horizons of the children involved, many of whom have yet to venture beyond the four walls of their schools. Recognizing the inherent value in exposing these children to the wonders within the greater Memphis area, Dr. Kiner highlighted extensive research that underscores the transformative power of field trips in nurturing ambitious dreams and aspirations in young minds. Notably, the program takes into account the crucial role of parents and guardians in the development of their children, actively engaging them to ensure parallel growth and continuous improvement for the entire family.
Dr. Kiner added, “We recognize the immense value in organizing programs and events that broaden the horizons of the children within our program. All the data underscores the transformative power of field trips in allowing kids to dream bigger and aspire to greater heights. By actively engaging both parents and children, we ensure their parallel growth and continuous improvement on both fronts. That is precisely why the state of Tennessee’s Department of Human Services has incorporated a two-generational approach, emphasizing the importance of the Families First program as a collaborative effort between not just the parents or guardians but also their children.”
Looking ahead, Daughters of Zion Family First participants can look forward to the next Career Day scheduled for January 20, 2024 at the esteemed Pink Palace Museum now known as the Memphis Museum of Science & History. It promises to be an exceptional opportunity for children to explore a wealth of engaging and educational experiences.
Natalee Peart, Project Coordinator stated “Daughters of Zion is not just planting seeds of greatness in the parents – we are planting them in the children too.”
To sign up for Daughters of Zion’s CNA program and other engaging programs as a Families First participant, interested individuals can call 901-260-9933 and embark on an incredible journey of growth and empowerment for themselves and their children.
About Post Author
