Like thousands of Seattle parents each year, Everett Fitzhugh, Tyler Kendrick, and Adrian Matanza participated in a PEPS Group during a time of deep transition – as nervous new dads of newborns. In their respective groups, the three found connection and community and felt safe to share (or in Everett’s case, “sometimes overshare!”) about their new reality.
For Tyler and Adrian, their positive experiences inspired them to get involved long after their Newborn Groups ended. Both went on to become Group Leaders, helping to create the same supportive environment they experienced for future families.
“I was able to learn about the other ways that PEPS strengthens its community, such as through its [Parents of Adolescents and Teens or] PAT programs and advocacy work,” Kendrick said. “I wanted to continue to grow my involvement with the organization.”
Today, all three serve on the PEPS Board, and each of them brings different experiences and perspectives to the organization's leadership.
Adrian, who works in equity for the City of Seattle, and his partner Zan were the only gay couple in their Newborn Group. Everett, the radio play-by-play announcer for the Seattle Kraken, was relatively new to Seattle and navigating parenthood without an established network of local families. Tyler is a patent attorney whose passion for pro bono work centers on expanding access to justice for people who might otherwise go without proper legal support.
While their backgrounds differ, all three say their time with PEPS – both as participants and board members – has constantly highlighted the value of building meaningful connections with their communities, both personal and professional.
For Tyler, board service has changed how he approaches meeting new people, both at work and with friends.
"[Before,] I did not like putting myself out there or attending large gatherings where I did not know most of the attendees," he said. "My time on the board has taught me that building connections is so important to our well-being and sense of community, so I should not see events and other gatherings as anxiety-provoking but instead as an opportunity to become more involved in my community."
Adrian, who volunteered as a PEPS Group facilitator shortly after participating in a Newborn Group, shared that he has carried the PEPS culture of connection into his personal and professional worlds. Just like PEPS gatherings, the board meetings begin with a connection question or topic, “even around the ordinary, sometimes mundane parts of life.”
“I’ve carried that into my personal and professional worlds, trying to slow down, focus on relationships first, and really see the person behind whatever challenge or task we’re tackling together.”
Adrian, Everett and Tyler’s stories highlight the new way PEPS is working to operate – from a place of creating community for all parents, including dads, non-birthing parents, LGBTQIA+ families and caregivers from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. This extends to leadership. PEPS recognizes that the strongest organizations are shaped by people who shine a light on different perspectives, ask different questions, and bring different experiences.
Would you like to learn more about volunteering as a PEPS Board Member, Advisor, or Ambassador? Fill in our interest form and find out how you can get involved!