This week for the These Dads Are Doing It Right series I am putting the spotlight on Dad’s House and other organizations. These dads groups are looking to build up dads and families. These dads want to make sure every family can be the best family with sharing stories and offering help. In addition, if there are any other dads that you think we should check out leave their name and info in the comment section below.
William McGranaghan – Dad’s House
Dad’s House was set up in 2008 by William McGranaghan to help single dads with the practicalities of raising their children alone. There are currently over 2 million non-residential dads in the UK and over 450,000 raising their children alone. Just in London there are 25,000 dads who are the main carers for their children. We have seen a huge change in society and these figures are expected to rise dramatically in the next 5 years. After raising his own son from an early age, William realized that there was very little support for fathers.Although there were a number of organizations available to help parents, there was no support for the practical side, no one to meet up with for a coffee and chat, people that would have an understanding of their struggles.
Kevin Stoodley – North East Young Dads and Lads Project
North East Young Dads and Lads Project started life in 2015 with a simple brief. They wanted to find out what, if anything, could be done to support young dads aged under 25. It was for dads who live, work or study in the North East of England. At the time, there was no blueprint for this work. Therefore as experienced youth workers we went out and met young men on their terms and figured things out together. NEYDL is a unique youth support service that is dedicated to helping young men and young fathers to play an active and meaningful role in the lives of their children, within families and wider society.
Dr. Christopher St. Vil – Dads With Wisdom
Dr. Chris St. Vil is an Associate Professor at University of Buffalo School of Social Work. His research focuses on Black masculinity, Black men and victimization and socialization. He also supports the evaluation of the Nurturing Fathers Program at Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network. Dr. St Vil is a father to three children. In addition he is a son, brother, husband, nephew, cousin, friend and educator. Check out the work he is doing at Dad with Wisdom.
Tarek Radi – Dads MOVE
Dads MOVE is dedicated to helping all individuals discover their purpose and belonging. We embrace and honor diversity within our community. Committed to equal opportunity, we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute. Tarek is part of that organization. He is a single dad of two kids: a 21-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old son with Autism and FragileX. So he understands first-hand how difficult it is for a father to advocate for a child in the system. He also understands how difficult it is to find support needed. In addition he knows that a father’s wellbeing, mental health and overall perspective is all too often ignored. He sees issues like that that is overlooked by the society we live in, the institutions and the legal system.