What would you do for your children?
Jack (8), Oliver (7), Alana (5) and Toby (2) have, throughout their young lives, been deeply impacted by inadequate, unstable parenting, neglect and abuse, ranging from unchanged diapers to witnessing domestic violence, to not having enough food to eat. Simon, their dad has been unemployed for years and at times had to resort to stealing to pay for food and bills.
While using drugs and alcohol, he found it hard to keep a job. It was frequently difficult to even get out of bed and when he did go to work, it was necessary to leave his children with his partner, who was incapable of providing adequate care for them.
After a few traumatic altercations, a case worker assessed the parent’s capabilities and concluded that Simon, was the more aware parent. With substantial assistance, it was Simon who would be the more likely parent to succeed at ‘taking care of the kids’.
He was given an action plan to detoxify and an opportunity to start over. He was given temporary housing plus timely support from his own parents.
Simon’s deep desire to not lose his kids and to become a “good” parent helped him to break the cycle of addiction. But he didn’t know how to be a good father.
For the sake of his children, Simon reached out to The Fathering Project seeking guidance and support to become the father his children deserve. The Fathering Project built a needs-based action plan for Simon ensuring there were appropriate resources and structures to allow him to meet his children’s needs and be a good dad. The plan includes taking care of the children’s essential needs as well as understanding and learning how to engage positively with them.
Jack and Alana are in active counseling to help overcome their childhood trauma and to help them gain confidence, self-assurance and trust that they will be safe, secure and loved.
Since being on The Fathering Project action plan, Simon is not only a real dad to his children, but is also more active in his community. He tries to assist other children in his neighbourhood whenever he sees instability in their homes, ensuring they have a safe space and someone they can turn to when needed.
Simon is now an engaged father, one who understands that it’s essential for him to be a better father to his children. Equally important, is his hope that his children, when parents, will be even better than him, from the beginning.
Unfortunately, his journey isn’t an isolated case.
The Fathering Project supports fathers like Simon to help them break the cycles of disadvantage. Importantly, empowering them to create confident and resilient children.
Your kind donation to The Fathering Project will help children like Jack, Oliver, Alana, and Toby have happier healthier lives.
On this global day of generosity, we encourage you to take ownership of the future of our children.
All Donations $2 and above are tax deductible.
You will receive a tax receipt for your donation.
Community Hubs: Direct Outcomes
Fathers and father-figures actively participating in dads’ groups, toolbox talks and their children’s education system.
Indisputable evidence has shown that engaged dads, equal better outcomes for their children.
Increase in wellbeing and engagement for fathers and father figures.
Fathers and father-figures self-reporting that they feel more engaged and equipped as dads.
