FOCUS FATHERS IN GREENVILLE

Jerry Speight

Recently, NewDay celebrated Three years of serving in Hunt County, teaching FOCUS (Families Offering Children Unfailing Support) for Fathers classes in Greenville, Tx. 
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Jerry Speight, (pictured) is Executive Director of the Hope Center in Greenville. Jerry is a strong community leader affectionately known as "Mr. Greenville" because of his consistent work to strengthen Greenville in many ways and because he is known by just about everyone in this quaint Texas town. Jerry's organization does incredible work in the community with GED, Computer Literacy, Microsoft Office and ESL classes. The Hope Center is known to be quick to respond to any and all community needs in Greenville. A few years ago, Jerry began to see a need for a fatherhood program to improve families in his community. Soon after, a mutual friend connected Jerry with NewDay Services. The Hope Center stepped up to be the sponser of NewDay Services Fatherhood program in Hunt County. 

Pictured below is Kevin Sawatsky (orange), Lead Facilitator of FOCUS Fathers classes in Greenville along with Bob Robinson, NewDay's Program Director. Kevin, a realtor, former teacher and deacon at Christ Community church built a team of 7-10 guys who volunteer to encourage and mentor fathers in order for them to be reunited with their families. Without them, NewDay would not have the resources or personnel to facilitate a class each week. ​
 
A special "Thank You" to these community leaders who have made NewDay's Programs in Greenville possible: Judge Andrew Bench and Judge Keli Aiken who refer many fathers to our program from their courts and Rick Prettyman, Pastor of Christ Community Church where FOCUS classes are held, who greatly supports our program. Each graduation night he comes in to encourage the fathers and motivate them to be the best they can be. Finally, to all of our many volunteers who serve every week, THANK YOU.  

​Because of the consistent hard work put in by all the people above, ​Greenville has served approximately 180 fathers, representing close to 500 children over the last three years. Those 500 children now have a committed father in their lives!

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One of the most recent classes of FOCUS for Fathers Graduates in Greenville, TX

Kevin Sawatsky