February is Parent Recognition Month. Strengthening Families Washington, of the Department of Early Learning for Washington State, believes there is no better way to recognize a parent, grandparent, foster or adoptive parent than by acknowledging the numerous and impressive things they do to strengthen their family and those around them in their community.
Seattle's Child is proud to sponsor the Washington Unsung Hero Awards, recognizing our everyday heroes and honoring the important role caregivers play in children's lives. There are 28 nominees for the 28 days of February, and Seattle's Child will highlight each and every one.
Congratulations to the Unsung Hero for February 10:
Kris Gardner – Pasco
Kris Gardner has been a single dad since his daughter first started attending our program in kindergarten. Jourdyn is now in 4th grade and is committed to make the best impact on her club time when she is with us. Kris is a wonderful father whose love for his little girl shows brightly in his eyes, actions and words. Kris has faced difficult times the last year but his attitude and commitment to raising Jourdyn to the best of his ability really makes him an unsung hero.
During last year's school year Jourdyn's mother passed away. It was very unexpected and very difficult for the family. Kris stayed strong for his little girl, let her cry and comforted her when needed and continued to encourage her to make good choices, excel in school and reminded her to be a kid. His ability to push through his own grief and the grief he felt for his daughter losing her mother at such a young age was inspiring.
Kris's family were and are great supports of him and Jourdyn. "Nana" Kris's mom and Jourdyn have a very special bond and often spend quality time together. Jourdyn has also bonded with many of the staff at Boys & Girls Club and Kris encourages her attendance and relationships with staff so that those bonds have time to deepen. One staff has signed a dual relationship form with Kris so that staff can support Jourdyn outside of club hours.
Kris is a great dad and understands when he needs to reach out for help and he does so with ease. Jourdyn is becoming quite the young lady and needs help with the more feminine things in life. Kris has opened up to understand what a girl needs when it comes to make up and is never afraid to accept the help that other will offer him.
Kris works full time to provide for his daughter and still has time to let her spend an extra 10 minutes to finish her coloring at pick up time from Club Care; even though he has worked all day and still has to make dinner. Kris is very much an unsung hero, his ability to put his emotions and hardships aside to raise his daughter, his willingness to accept help without letting his pride get in the way, his constant decision making process and his knowledge of what being a committed father means are all just a few reasons why Kris is such a wonderful parent.
Nominator: Rachel Lockard
