Columbus group hopes to empower fathers and families
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Giving dads the tools they need to be better parents and heroes in their children's lives. 'Father-Up' is a new program at Action for Children aimed at providing dads the necessary tools they need along every stage of the parenting journey.
Everything from navigating the child support system, to handling co-parenting.
Some fathering advocates indicate that almost every social problem faced by kids today is related to not having a dad in the home. Everything from poverty, to crime. A local group here in Columbus is trying to change that by getting fathers more involved and giving them the skills they need to make a difference in their kids’ lives.
'Father-Up' was created to help dads navigate the challenges of fatherhood.
“There’s not a playbook for being a father. a lot of times its questions they don’t have the answers to and sometimes dads can feel not ashamed but like nobody understands them and they feel alone. It’s a privilege to be in your child’s life and it’s something they should enjoy and so we’re here to help them enjoy being a father,” Howard Fairley, with Father-Up, said.
The program works to empower dads and in turn their families. Organizers are hoping to give dads the skills necessary to be more engaged and present in the lives of their children.
“It’s not shaming a dad that he needs help. It’s being there as an aid and support and uplifting the father. It’s ok, you can ask questions. We’re here to support you, we’re not judging you and let’s take this journey together,” Fairley said.
The group not only provides dads with peer-mentors but offers a long list of resources including parenting tips, employment information. If a couple is not together, they offer workshops outlining the child support system and co-parenting tips.
It's a one-of-a-kind program focusing on dads and the importance they play in the development of their children.
Organizers told ABC 6 that the overall aim of the program is to support dads and families, in the process helping to create better communities. Each of the programs provided by 'Father-Up' is free.
For more information Call 614–224-0222 ext 410 or click here.
