MAKING OUR FAMILIES STRONGER THAN BEFORE

​To the FOCUS Fatherhood,
 
Back in April 2022, I sent one of my CPS fathers to the FOCUS for Fathers program to take part in your services. When I first met Joe, he had no confidence and would shut down and run away at the slightest hint of a difficult conversation. Joe didn’t believe he had a strong role in his family, and he didn’t have many people that he could turn to for in-person support. In the time that he was with the FOCUS Fatherhood; I saw him flourish!! Joe softened up, became easier to talk to and more open. We went from kicking us (CPS) out of the house to sitting down and communicating with us as to what he wanted for his family, his hopes, and fears, and how he was struggling.

He started to show more confidence and was excited to tell me about everything he was learning. He taught me the difference between control and influence and how he only has the power to control how he thinks and acts, not others. Not only did Joe verbalize what he was learning, he was demonstrating it as well with his wife and daughters!

I witnessed more laughter between him and his wife, a stronger bond between him and his girls, and a happier and safer family. Joe always looked forward to his FOCUS classes and developed a bond with the other men there. I firmly believe that Joe has always been a good man, but I believe it was the FOCUS Fatherhood that helped him see that he was. I got a chance to watch a father and a family grow, and back in August, their CPS case closed with nothing but success!!

​I honestly don’t think we could have had so many positives in this case if it hadn’t been for the FOCUS for Fathers program. Fathers are greatly underappreciated, and it is comforting to know they have men like the FOCUS For Fathers’ facilitators to come alongside them, to build them up, and make our families stronger than before.
 
Take care, Myers
FBSS Specialist IV