Last Friday, I was fortunate to attend the graduation of our fall/winter 2019-2020 Dads Training Program. It is always inspirational to see our families accomplish their goals. Eight excited Dads received their certificate of completion, as well as many essential certifications needed to obtain employment from HAZWOPER and OSHA-10 to Forklift training. One could see the importance of this moment for them and how grateful they were for this opportunity to change their outlook on life. As I sat in the audience and listened to their stories, I thought about this amazing group of incredibly brave guys, the brotherhood they built in three short months, and the fantastic things that lay ahead for them.
This comprehensive three-month training program involves a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on project work, laying a foundation for jobs in the fields of environmental services, carpentry, and metalwork. Participants also completed workshops in goal setting, job search techniques, and mastering the interview. We are grateful to our partners who strengthen the training sessions: Groundwork Providence, Amos House, the Steel Yard, Ocean State Forklift Training, The Opportunity Center, and J&A General Contractors.
In addition to the comprehensive job training and certifications, what makes this program unique is that it recognizes the important role fathers play in the lives of their children. Being a father is so much more than being a financial provider. Family Advocate Supervisor Susan Grant, who oversees the Dads Job Training program, has done a tremendous job in building a series of fatherhood workshops. Our Dads examine cultural backgrounds, how their childhoods have shaped fatherhood, and what they’d like to pass on to their children.
Our Dads document each step for themselves and work to explore how they communicate, play, discipline, and prepare their children for the world – and how that is different from a mother’s role. They study the stages of life and child development, learning the importance of talking and reading early in their children’s lives.
This program offers top-notch training for meaningful employment, along with the support system needed to be the best father they can be to their children. All of it is life-changing for these Dads.
Congratulations to our Dads for a job well done – we can’t wait to see what you accomplish!
Stacy Couto, Chief of Philanthropy