Fathers and Families

Fatherhood supportfatherhood support focuses on personal finances, anger management, pre-marital and marriage counseling, and direct assistance to participants. There were a total of 837 current and former participants, of which 417 received direct assistance during the year.

Fatherhood development workshop (strong fathers/strong families)232 Fathers finished an intensive three-week training program focusing on parenting, job readiness, education preparation, responsible fatherhood, sexual responsibility and other life skills. Fathers are the focus and core program of the Center. Parenting classes provide important information needed to improve Fathers' parenting skills and improve relationships between Fathers and their children. In the sessions, Fathers develop written goals for rearing their children. The instructor teaches appropriate expectations, child health, safety, wellness information, and appropiate discipline methods. Employment preparation services include building upon job readiness training and improving skill sets through training or advanced placement for success in the workplace. One hundred and three enrolled in this program.

Educational servicesfathers and Families Center offers Fathers assistance with preparation to meet the goal of passing the high school equivalence exam (hse). Sessions are offered during the day and include individualized as well as small group sessions. Fathers and Families conducts hse testing on site at the Center loacation through the services of official hse test administrators to provide a comfortable and familiar testing environment for Fathers. Services are available to help those who have graduated with their high school or hse diploma prepare for scholarships and other financial aid applications for those who contemplate futhering their education. A total of 61 individuals enrolled in the program. Seven passed at least one of the five sections and three completed and passed the hse exam.