Women for FUTURE

Hugs for Healing

Colleen Parkin and her son, Matthew Reed Smith

Matthew Reed Smith, age 24, was killed in Iraq while serving as a Marine with the U.S. military forces. His mother, Colleen Parkin, spoke to him on the phone the day before he died.

Through a chance meeting in May 2006, Colleen was able to meet a visiting group of "Women for Future - Iraq" delegates at the store where she works. When the Iraqi women learned of Colleen's loss, they immediately wrapped their arms around her, kissed her, cried with her, and thanked her for her son's service in Iraq.

Colleen Parkin and Women for Future - Iraq Colleen Parkin with "Women for Future - Iraq" delegates

From this experience, FUTURE along with "Women for Future — Iraq" created the Hugs for Healing program. The program is designed to bring American women and their families together with Iraqi women to provide a safe and healing environment to comfort mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters who have suffered the loss of a loved one. If you are interested in being apart of this program, click on "I'm a FUTURE supporter for Hugs for Healing."

Founded by Joan and Fareed Betros in 2003, FUTURE combines volunteerism, service and self reliance with problem-solving, educational networking and a focus on reconciliation. Joan has over 35 years experience in broadcasting and worked as Director of Women and Children’s Family Television Programming for the Iraq Media Network. Fareed is a retired colonel in the US Army Reserves and served in military and civilian positions as a senior Middle East advisor to support reconstruction efforts in Iraq. FUTURE is made up of volunteers from across the US who contribute their time and talents to bring the chance for a brighter future to others.

Communicate - Hug - Heal.