guiding fathers program
about
The Guiding Fathers Program empowers low-income fathers to become healthy, productive role models to their children. We offer six weeks of evidence-based curriculum to tackle relationship-related issues and six months of evidence-informed employment services to support men in gaining and maintaining long-term economic stability.
Program participants are fathers, or father-figures to children younger than 24 years of age, who struggle to overcome barriers to sustained employment. Program partners are community agencies and referral sources who help provide wrap-around supports. The goal of the program is to strengthen families by providing fathers with the resources they need to be successful caregivers and providers.
The combination of relationship-building skills and extensive employment services is what makes the Guiding Fathers Program distinctive.
The Guiding Fathers Program takes a comprehensive approach to solving unemployment, a factor that significantly contributes to father absence. Studies show that the absence of a father or father-figure in the home results in a variety of social, academic, and economic problems for children and families in general.
While there are many reasons for a father’s absence, the lack of continuous employment is a major stumbling block to a father’s engagement with his children.
The Guiding Fathers Program methodology is rooted in the idea that a career path is more valuable than a job, skill development and training are critical to maintaining an upward trajectory, and ongoing support is vital, especially to those overcoming employment obstacles.
The Guiding Fathers Program offers significant value to employers as well as candidates. Guiding Fathers Program screens candidates to select those most likely to successfully complete the program. Candidates receive training to develop work-ready behaviors and skills.
The Guiding Fathers Program empowers fathers, despite their personal hardships, to create a balance between employment and family that paves the way for the next generation. Guiding Fathers is committed to the importance of family connections for success in both work and life. As a results-driven program, Fathers Forward uses best practices, tracks progress, and measures achievement to continually improve and strengthen outcomes.
Guiding Fathers seeks to better the lives of children by enhancing the professional and personal lives of their fathers.