“SC Fatherhood Initiative”

January 27th, 2009: George Stevens introduced Beth Atkinson, the Coastal Major Gifts Director of the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families. She shared her insight into the problems that occur as a result of a family without a father and the positive impact that her organization is making. As a person who at six years of age was without her father, she certainly knew the need firsthand for what her organization provides.

The goal of the organization is to teach men to acknowledge their responsibility. The programs’ training, referrals and support improves men’s employment status, parenting, and family relationship by addressing 10 vital needs. These needs are Responsible Fatherhood, Spiritual Development, Effective Communication, Job Readiness and Employment, Understanding Child Support and the Legal System, Financial Management, Parenting and Co-Parenting, Healthy Relationships, Men’s Health and Education and Referrals for Additional Services on a Case-By-Case Basis.

Men participate in weekly peer support group meetings, share meals and offer one another advice and lessons learned. The organization provides a time to be heard and to be real. All of the programs are about connecting fathers and their children to improve the quality of life of the child at that time and with future generations.

Ms. Atkinson introduced Johnathan Shuler, the Job Recruiter for the organization and he shared ways that they provide employment assistance to give the fathers a chance to become productive and increase their self-esteem. He shared that many fathers need an opportunity to have a job to demonstrate their responsibility not just to others but to themselves. This 24 week holistic program improves education, employment, sobriety, spirituality and healthy relationships which helps address needs now and sources of future problems.

The organization is primarily funded by the sisters of Charity. Like all organizations, they have been battling delivering services with budget cuts from state support. Ms. Atkins was very proud that $.89 of every dollar goes to provide services to fathers and their families.

Reported by Wayne Outlaw, Keyway Committee