Service to the Families and Family Service

Listen as Parker White, Founder of BackPack Beginnings, reflects on how her deep compassion for the community has shaped her family life and influenced her children. She shares how she works to create balance at home, teaching her teenagers the value of helping others, while still encouraging them to explore their own passions. Parker describes how service not only uplifts the community but also enriches the lives of those who give. Parker also highlights how people can use the skills they are developing in school, such as those in a Spanish Immersion program, to support local families while strengthening their own interests and abilities. As Idowu Koyenikan reminds us, “A community that is engaged and working together can be a powerful force.” Parker’s story shows us that collaboration and innovation have no age limit.

This recording is produced by Institute for Family, using interviews recorded by StoryCorps.