Rising Ground’s Fatherhood Initiative works with non-custodial fathers to improve relationships with their children and to enhance their children’s development through programs that encourage fathers to become personally involved with their children and relate to their co-parents. This free three-month program helps fathers to obtain greater insights on parenting while also providing programs focused on various life skills that might impact their relationships with their children.
Studies have shown that children with engaged and supportive fathers are less likely to get into trouble at home, school, or in the neighborhood and are more likely to exhibit self-control and pro-social behavior. For non-custodial fathers and those facing challenges in their own lives, providing the kind of support and forming the kind of relationships that will provide a positive influence in the lives of their children is not always easy. Strained relationships with custodial parents, past family issues, and various challenges in their own lives can lead fathers to disengage or engage in a way that is not beneficial to children or families.
The Fatherhood Initiative includes workshops twice a week, one-to-one mentoring services, credit repair workshops, co-parenting workshops, employment assistance, free monthly family activities, and domestic abuse intervention classes. By bringing fathers together, we look to share insights and struggles and take a holistic approach to improving the father and child’s relationship and experience for those we support.