{"ops":[{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"In 2024, 679 fathers joined a Strong Dads program, with 388 fathers completing all the sessions. Ninety-eight of the participants were in correctional facilities or on parole. To illustrate the program's impact, facilitators systematically gathered information on various aspects of father engagement with their children, assessing these areas both at the program's start and upon completion. The facilitators also measured the concept of hope at the program's outset and conclusion. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":" "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Fathers may experience feelings of hopelessness that stem from factors such as a strained relationship with their children's mother, employment challenges and societal norms that undervalue their role as fathers. Compared to their scores at the beginning of the program, the fathers significantly increased in hope, specifically, their confidence in reaching goals and their ability to plan ways to achieve them. The participants also reported spending more quality time with their children. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#374151"},"insert":" "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#212121"},"insert":"When asked what has changed since the beginning of the program, participants self-reported a greater increase in their parenting knowledge (72%), communication skills (62%) and conflict resolution skills (57%). "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#212121"},"insert":" "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#212121"},"insert":"Fifty-eight percent of dads reported increased engagement with their children, and 51% reported increased access to their children, whether through formal or informal access in divorced/separated families or by simply being around their children more. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#212121"},"insert":" "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#212121"},"insert":"Workshop leaders have shared countless success stories, including: "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#212121"},"insert":" "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#212121"},"insert":"“During one of our last sessions, one dad said he was very thankful for the workshop and has been putting what he has learned into practice at home. To improve his relationship with his wife, he took the initiative to listen more and talk less. He realized that spending more time at work has been the main reason for his added stress at home. He made the decision to be more available at home for his wife and kids. Since making these changes over the past month, things have been much less stressful and more peaceful at home. His courage to make these changes is a direct result of the encouragement from the other dads in the class and what he has learned.” "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#374151"},"insert":" "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"“One dad’s story stands out. When he joined the program, he had no access to his son and was overwhelmed with the weight of his concerns as a new father. During an office visit, he broke down in tears, sharing his fears and deep desire to be a part of his son’s life. I was able to coach him through some key steps and provided him with a letter of support for his case in court. By the time he completed the program, he had been granted visitation rights. What made the graduation day even more special was seeing him bring his son and his own father to the ceremony. He thanked me, saying that Strong Dads played a pivotal role in helping him reconnect with his son. It was an incredibly powerful experience that truly embodied the transformative impact of the program. Moments like these are why I am so passionate about the work we do.” "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":" "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"“During a visitation at the prison, one of the participants shared an unexpected encounter with an old friend who was once known as a tough gang member. Surprised to see him engaging kindly with his daughter, the participant learned that his friend had completed the Strong Dads program, which transformed his perspective on fatherhood. Witnessing this change, the participant realized the program's potential for transformation and felt inspired, knowing that if his old friend could embrace it, anyone could.” "},{"insert":"\n"}]}