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FATHERS FIRST

 

A division of INSPIRE that is the umbrella for our fathers programs, where we focus on empowering our fathers to be engaged with their children’s lives.  Each father, bonded as mentors and mentees, has his own set of issues, stressors and problems that he faces daily.  Fathers First provides a place where fathers of all ages can come together for support, to inspire and empower each other while realizing that they are not alone in their commitment.  

 

FATHERS FIRST PROGRAMS

 

MEN SHARPENING MEN

Each father, bonded as mentors and mentees, has his own set of issues, stressors and problems that he faces daily.  Fathers First provide a hang-out spot where fathers of all ages can come together for support, to inspire and empower each other while realizing that they are not alone in the commitment to their families.  

 

Young fathers are matched with experienced fathers who will provide direction and guidance. They participate in peer groups, cooking, sports events as well as family group outings and activities with their children.  

 

This bonding relationship allows for:

  • Shared fatherhood experiences.

  • Nurturing personal growth.

  • Cultivating parenting skills.

 

Some of the topics covered in this program are:

  •  Father-Child Relationship.

  • Co-parenting & Child Support.

  • Interventions to Strengthen Parenting Time. 

  • Positive Discipline. 

  • Employment Readiness & Work Habits.

  • Education & Economic Security. 

  • College Preparation & Assistance. 

  • Financial Literacy.  

  • Household Management & Nutrition.

  • Maintaining Healthy Relationships.

  • Conflict Resolution & Problem Solving. 

 

MEN SHARPENING MEN - CHILDREN’S FEATURE

The children of Fathers First participants meet with volunteers in a safe, supportive and fun-filled environment while their fathers meet together. Some of the interactive activities include: 

  • Showing Love through Obedience

  • Positive Affirmation boards

  • Respecting Myself and Others

  •  T-Shirts

  • Health & Nutrition 

 

FATHERS FIRST - LEGACY PLAN

The Legacy Plan is developed for fathers and based on their assessment and questionnaire results.  The plan describes goals as well as the actions and supports required to achieve each goal. The mentor and mentee will participate in life skills activities outlined In his Legacy Plan.

 

The Legacy Plan includes current and future goals for:

  • Finance.

  • Home building.

  • Parenting.

  • Education.

  • Personal goals that empower independence and self-sufficiency.

  • Permanency Pact (if needed, see below)

 

85% of the Legacy Plan goals should be met by the end of each 12-month cycle in order to be eligible for graduation.

 

PERMANENCY PACT - (18- 23 year old Mentees and/or Fathers)

The Permanency Pact is developed between youth and adults with the help of an INSPIRE facilitator for young men and fathers.  

 

A Permanency Pact is a pledge by a supportive adult within the community to provide specific types of support to a young man who is in the process of transitioning to an adult but may have no permanent or dependable family or need  additional support.   

 

The specific type of support these stewards provide include:

  • The Permanency Pact formally establishes lifelong, kin-like relationships 

  • Provides structure and a safety net 

  • Establishes a permanent and significant connection with an appropriate adult 

 

GRADUATION

 

After each young man or father has completed 85% of the goals on his Life, Transition or Legacy Plan, he will graduate to the next stage of the program.

  • Young men approaching 15 years old will move to Transition Mentoring;

  • Young men approaching 18 years old will establish a Permanency Pact and be acknowledged for entering adulthood;

  • Young Men approaching 23 years old will maintain their Permanency Pact and be acknowledged for successfully transitioning to independence and self-sufficiency;

  • Fathers completing 85% of their Legacy Plan will be acknowledged for their accomplishments; and

  • All graduates are encouraged to become peer mentors. 

 

A graduation and awards ceremony is held annually to celebrate the accomplishments of each young man.  Each young man’s milestones and accomplishments are celebrated with family, friends, mentors and community partners.

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