Bring hope to Australian families this festive season.
The following is a true story with names changed to protect identities:
Jack (8), Oliver (7), Alana (5) and Toby (2) have, have been deeply impacted by inadequate, unstable parenting, neglect and abuse, ranging from unchanged diapers to witnessing domestic violence, not having enough food to eat, to dreading the festive season. Simon, their dad has been unemployed for years.
Simon found it hard to keep a job. 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, the children’s case worker assessed the parent’s capabilities and concluded that Simon, was the more aware parent. With substantial assistance from his family, it was Simon who would be the more likely parent to succeed at ‘taking care of the kids’.
He was given an action plan 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 stable 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, Jack, Oliver, Alana and Toby’s childhood 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 can help children like Jack, Oliver, Alana, and Toby feel loves and secure.
This festive season, we need your support and generosity to transform children’s lives and create happier, healthier families today and into the future.
All Donations $2 and above are tax deductible.
You will receive a tax receipt for your donation.
Community Fathering 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.
$30
Can help support a father in a dad’s group with resources.
$125
Can help sponsor a dad & kid school activity.
$255
Can sponsor a support hub for dads and kids from “at risk” families.
$500
Can help sponsor a community hub and provide case management support to fathers in need.
Community Fathering Hubs: Indirect Outcomes
Increase in outcomes for children and families in the local community.
Reduced family and domestic violence.
Potential lowering of crime rates in the community.
More supportive community environment.
Service providers feel more equipped as they have a place to refer affected fathers.
Measurably less need for families impacted by child protection and court systems.
Service providers reporting better outcomes for families via more engagement from fathers and father figures.
