Fatherhood Program
The Fatherhood Program began in the spring of 2009 with a dual objective: First of all, to motivate young dads to step up and claim the fatherhood role. Second, to train them in the self-management, parenting and life skills needed to be a successful dad and responsible supporter of a family.
MEN has formed two key partnerships to accomplish these goals. In January 2009 MEN was among the twenty organizations nationwide to receive a $25,000 capacity-building grant from the National Fatherhood Initiative specifically to provide training, technical assistance, and curricula for the Fatherhood Program, as well as to pave the way towards future partnerships and grants. NFI curricula (“24/7 Dad,” “InsideOut Dad,” and “Dr. Dad.”) are extremely practical, are thoroughly road-tested, and are now being integrated into the MEN Fatherhood Program.
NFI funding has enabled our entire staff to train in the “Fatherhood is Sacred” program offered by the Native American Fatherhood and Family Association. MEN is the first non-Native organization to receive this certification.
The Fatherhood Program responds flexibly to a variety of needs: teen fathers, first-time fathers, estranged fathers, incarcerated fathers, and fathers returning from military service may have particular issues to be addressed. The general twelve-week class focuses on these goals:
- Resolving the fears, doubts and confusion which often prevent a father-to-be from stepping up to the father role.
- Preparing for the stressors and challenges that first-time fathers are about to encounter: lack of sleep, financial responsibilities, loss of freedom, and a shifting emotional landscape.
- Acquiring the knowledge and tools to support a mother through the rigors of pregnancy and childbirth.
- Resolving relationship issues with the mother in order to create the best possible co-parenting relationship; when necessary, extend such reconciliation to the extended families.
- Building hands-on fathering skills, beginning with pre-natal involvement as a precursor to childbirth and the father-infant relationship.
- Acquiring culturally-sensitive training for continued childrearing through the teen years.
- Responsibly fulfilling obligations which may include custody, visitation issues, and child support.
- Supporting a family: financial management, access to healthcare, financial assistance programs, vocational opportunities and/or continued education.
Fatherhood programs will generally follow a twelve-week class format, supported by mentors who themselves are veteran fathers. All programs are free of charge.
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Contact:
Crispin Clarke, Executive Director, c.clarke@nonviolentmen.org cell 575.770.7810
Fritz Hahn, Director of Programs, f.hahn@nonviolentmen.org cell 575.779.7771
Steve Moser, Fatherhood Program Director, s.moser@nonviolentmen.org cell 575.741.1208
