Home

About FUTURE

The FUTURE Approach

FUTURE in Iraq

News & Events

Founders

Gallery

2009 Leadership Conference

FUTURE Care

Healing Field &
A Hero's Salute

Contributors Page

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 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."

Media Release: September 18, 2009
SCTAC SETS STAGE FOR WOMEN FOR FUTURE HEROS SALUTE


Greenville, SC – Several hundred waving American flags will set the scene on mid-October, 2009 when Families United Toward Universal Respect/ FUTURE Presents A Hero's Salute at SCTAC in Greenville, SC. Iraqi delegates will speak to a crowd of Military families and widows, officials, volunteers and others from the community. Guests include Gold Star/ Blue Star Moms, USO representatives, political figures, embassy representatives, and Women for FUTURE friends and VIP’s, including all SCTAC employees who wish to attend.

Women For FUTURE – Iraq delegates will express thanks to those who have sacrificed and served, and to the families that have made the ultimate sacrifice. In turn, there will be a special thanks to the delegates for their sacrifice and service in Iraq.

“This is a good will gesture moving towards unity and cohesiveness for the community,” said Joan Betros, Co-founder and Chairman of Women for FUTURE, “and a statement to all that hear these heartfelt messages.”

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.