- Press Release - The Parenting Journey Gala

For Immediate Release

THE FAMILY CENTER AND PARENTING JOURNEY HOLDS GALA EVENT

Event featured intimate live performance by Yo-Yo Ma and The Knights

NEW YORK – May 20, 2011 – The Family Center held An Evening Celebration of Parenting last night at Stephan Weiss Studios, as a part of their Spring Campaign to Grow Strong Families. The event highlighted the work of The Family Center and Parenting Journey Program, and their successes at helping to build strong and resilient families in the New York area through their training programs and resources for at-risk parents.

The event drew over 250 supporters, including Yo-Yo Ma, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, model Karen Elson, Karenna Gore, artist Maya Lin, Citizens Band leader Sarah Sophie Flicker and Family Center founder Anne Peretz. The highlight of the evening was a live performance by Yo-Yo Ma and The Knights, who wowed the crowd with an intimate and affecting 40 minute performance.

Earlier this month, the organization held Parenting Journey Night at Yankee Stadium, where the Yankees recognized the organization with an on-field presentation. More than 200 of those touched by The Parenting Journey Training Institute attended, along with supporters and friends of the organization. Parenting Journey participant Eric Mendez was greeted on the field by Center Fielder Curtis Granderson.

“It was such a beautiful evening, and the outpouring of support has been incredible,” said Cheryl D. Vines, executive director, The Family Center. “By partnering with such amazing people and organizations like Yo-Yo Ma, the New York Yankees and Urban Zen, we are raising awareness and support from a brand new audience.”

About The Family Center:
Founded in 1982, The Family Center is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization that provides family services, including a licensed mental health clinic. The mission is to create safer, more resilient families by supporting them in developing the inner strengths, life skills and networks of resources they need to succeed. The Parenting Journey Training Institute, created by The Family Center, is a training program for front-line human service providers throughout New England and New York. The Institute has introduced nearly 1,000 workers from more than 400 agencies and school to The Parenting Journey Series, a highly successful parent-centered curriculum. With offices in New York City and Somerville, MA, more information can be found by visiting www.familycenterinc.org.

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