The Washington Examiner featured the WrightVision Foundation on March 8, 2011.
The WrightVision Foundation offers a new look at life
March 8th, 2011 8:20 am ET
Darnice L. Wright is the Chief Executive Director and Founder of an organization that wants to break through stereotypes and heal people. She runs The WrightVision Foundation, an organization that works tirelessly to empower parents and strengthen family relationships in the District of Columbia. The organization says it is “committed to helping individuals in the community by promoting family togetherness, developing life skills for problem solving and effective communication to encourage individuals to grow to their fullest potential.” Sandy Crenshaw, a resident of Le Droit Park (a NW neighborhood just southeast of Howard University) believes The WrightVision Foundation is true to its mission statement.
“I’ve never been a part of the programs with WrightVision, but I have two friends who have received help. Both of my friends told me that The WrightVision Foundation was a God-send because they helped them save their marriages,” she said.
Of the three programs, the Life Changes Parenting program is one that is thought to be best geared for fathers returning home from prison. It is a two part program designed to improve parenting skills, promote positive self-image for parents, and build healthy relationships between parents and their children.
“I think this program is perfect for someone who is coming home and looking to reconnect,” said a returning citizen who previously participated in the program (he didn’t want his name used). “I am blessed to have had a chance to be a part of something so rewarding.” The returning citizen said he learned a lot and was able to find the strength to be more than a returning citizen.
The first session of the Life Changes Parenting program deals with Parent Development. During this component, parents learn about self-image, self-worth, selfishness, self-discipline, self-respect, self-responsibility, and self-management. During the second session the participants focus on relationship building through discussions on building relationships, understanding the family structure, a house divided, developing listening skills, time management, blended families, and family value.
Christopher Williams said he checked out the website because a friend referred it to him. “I checked out the foundation’s website, and I liked what it had to say. They have ideas on how to have a successful marriage.” He laughs and continues, “I wish I knew about this three years ago when my marriage was on the rocks.” On the foundation’s website, they make recommendations to having a successful marriage. One is to pick your arguments wisely, and another is to give respect and expect it in return.
While WrightVision Foundation wants to strengthen families, they also want to bring parents and children closer together. One specific relationship they want to build on is the father/daughter dynamic. But with a little more understanding, fathers can feel just as comfortable around their daughters as they do their sons. It is certainly important for fathers to connect with their daughters.
“I’m tired to hearing about fathers that aren’t there for there children, because there are some fathers out there that are doing everything they can to be there for their children,” said Darnice Wright. Wright followed this by saying that is what promoted her to organize the First Annual Fathers & Daughters Ball, which took place on February 5.
Fourteen fathers from various background and educational disciplines around the Washington, D.C. area were nominated. A few of the men who were nominated are returning citizens who have worked hard at reconnecting with their children. Janks Morton was chosen as Innovative Father of the Year.
Research shows that daughters who have a secure and loving relationship with their fathers tend to have better grades in school, feel better about themselves, are more assertive without being aggressive, feel more confident in relationships with men in general, and are more likely to be admitted to graduate school and get a degree.
“The best thing we can do as fathers is be involved in our daughter’s lives,” said Marcus Owen, a returning citizen. “You just have to be there for her.” He says that his many years of being on the wrong side of the law kept him from getting married and starting a family of his own.
“Fathers and daughters have got to communicate more,” Owen added. “These young women have got to have role models that help make it in the world. Dads and daughters might not have the same relationship that moms and daughters do, but the more a father walks away from his responsibility, the more likely that child is going to go the wrong way in life.”
The Wright Foundation recommends that fathers should get involved and be present in his daughter's life. He should visit her in school or camp, and try to attend all performances and games. “The more you are involved in her life, the more likely she is to want to talk to you,” Crenshaw says. “Take her shopping or to lunch is a great idea. You will be amazed by what you learn.”
“Flip” (he asked not to post his real name) said, “I can’t always be there because I work odd hours and whenever I do see them I’m always tired, and don’t really have the energy to play with them.” Flip has two daughters ages 10 and 8. “I might be tired, but I’ve learned that these girls of mine love to talk, so I let them talk. I just try to listen. I might not always understand what they are talking about, but I just listen.”
Pay attention to what she says when you are together. Listen to what she is thinking, dreaming and wishing in her life. And most of all, keep confidences. When she shares something with you that is private and bares her soul, don't repeat the story. It is one sure way to hurt your relationship when you violate a trust.
Be a Great Example of Manhood. The way your daughter sees you treat women makes a big difference in how she will see men later in her life. Be on your best behavior with her, her mother and other female friends and relatives. Simple courtesy and kindness will go a long way in helping her know what to expect of men in her later life.
Making time and expending energy in building your relationship with your daughter will pay big dividends over time. Even though it may seem like more fun to spend time with the boys, there is still nothing quite like the relationship that can develop between a daughter and her daddy.
