Foundations of Fatherhood is a character-based educational, self-help and support program to service the unique and specific needs of fathers. The program is designed to be facilitated though weekly support groups, although it can be utilized as a bi-weekly or monthly program during the initial stages. Within the structure of the 12-week program, the primary focus is on the following issues:
Promoting responsible fatherhood and holistic parenting
Empowering fathers to assume emotional, moral, spiritual, psychological and financial responsibility for their children
Accentuating the psycho-social development of both father and child
Meeting the psychological and physiological challenges of parenting
Increasing and contributing to our knowledge base concerning fatherhood
Much of the data and many of the current research initiatives draw attention to the concerns of the mother and child. When the father does become a source of interest, it is generally in regard to absent child support payments and not the effect of his absenteeism on the development of the child. Little attention has been given to the impact of a father's role in the family structure, the effects on child development and social integration.
However, in our nation, we are beginning to recognize that "fatherlessness" is a problem, even if we do not fully understand the problem. According to a 1996 Gallup Poll, 79.1% of Americans felt, "the most significant family or social problem facing America is the physical absence of the father from the home." Father Figures, Today's Fathers 4, no. 1 (1996).
Foundations of Fatherhood combats the problem of "fatherlessness" by assisting men in the program to recognize and understand their roles as a father and be willing to accept the challenges set before them by learning the skills necessary to be positive role model. We know that fathers make a unique and invaluable contribution to the well being of their children. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology (1995), a father's presence is linked to improved fetal and infant development. Furthermore, a father's interaction with his children promotes child well being, perceptual abilities and competency for relating with others.
Our goal is to instigate a shift in paradigms. We believe that a positive investment of education, time and capital will produce responsible fathers who are less likely to draw upon the resources of local, state and federal tax dollars. The results will be families who contribute to their community, reversing the cycle of poverty and dependency due to absent fathers. Ultimately the children will reap the greatest benefit, a loving father who is there for them.
Upon successful completion of the twelve-week workshop, each father receives a certificate during a graduation ceremony attended by family and friends.
The Foundations of Fatherhood is a fee-for service program that meets weekly at various locations throughout Western Pennsylvania.
In Eastern Allegheny County: Every Thursday evening @ Office of Child Development located at the corner of Negley and Penn Avenues in the East Liberty section of Pittsburgh
In South Allegheny County: Every Saturday morning at Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh 2600 East Carson St.
More sights to be announced.
Program fees include all materials, resources, support and mentoring. Fees are:
For members: $5.00 per session
Non-members: $10.00 per session
Membership fee: $50.00
Make checks payable to Fathers Resource Center of Pittsburgh