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Today, Commissioners unanimously approved a partnership between the Columbus Urban League and the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) for the purpose of referring clients (fathers) to the Urban League’s ‘Father 2 Father’ program.
The mission of the program is to assist men in becoming instinctive, responsible and nurturing fathers, while also educating them on the unique, important and essential role that fathers play in the development of their children.
“This program supports the philosophy that fathers need to be both providers and nurturers. You cannot have one without the other,” said Board President Marilyn Brown. “The children and families of Franklin County will benefit wholly from this program. I would to thank to Glenn Harris, the Urban League and CSEA Director Susan Brown for bringing this program forward.”
The ‘Father 2 Father’ program helps fathers connect with their children by assisting them in overcoming potential barriers including child support, visitation, job readiness and work programs, self and family sufficiency, educational and training opportunities and other family matters.
“The ‘Father 2 Father’ program is all about helping fathers overcome the barriers that prevent them from being the role models and fathers they desire to be,” said Glenn A. Harris, Director of African American Male Initiatives for the Columbus Urban League (CUL). “I would like to thank our new partners at the County and our existing partners: COSI, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the United Way and the City of Columbus - most importantly Mayor Michael B. Coleman, & President Pro-Tem Councilman Kevin Boyce, the founders and funders of the AAMI programs at the Urban League.”
The Urban League also teams with Columbus State and other trade programs to provide fathers tools to gain a career, rather than obtaining just a job. This program will not only assist fathers to become better ‘dads’ emotionally, but also to teach and provide the skills for fathers to become financially responsible parents.
“I am glad that the partnership with the Urban League, the Building Trades and Columbus State will connect the fathers with training, education and good paying construction jobs,” said Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy. “Paying for the support of children improves relationships with the custodial parent, makes visitation more likely and the father-child bond stronger.”
“Children whose fathers are connected clearly thrive, and I believe having a great relationship with your child is a sign of strength in a man,” said Commissioner Paula Brooks. “I learned about this program from Cuyahoga County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones, and I strongly support joining in the effort to ensure all children in Franklin County enjoy a relationship with their father.”
“We see this as a win-win opportunity for the CSEA, for parents, for children and for the Urban League’s goal of promoting responsible fatherhood,” said CSEA Director Susan A. Brown.
The target audience is fathers between the ages of 16-35 referred by CUL Head Start, Franklin County CSEA and the Franklin County Juvenile Court system. The class is a twelve-week program and will initially consist of 12-15 fathers with new classes beginning every three months. Curriculum topics include: Child Support, Joblessness, Intergenerational Learning, Visitation/Custody, Substance Abuse, Education, and Housing.
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