This week for the These Dads Are Doing It Right series I am giving a shout out to the Up Center and Dad2Dads. The Dad 2 Dads initiative is part of The Up Center program. This program offers safe spaces for fathers and father figures to develop their critical role within the family unit. 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.
The Up Center & Dad2Dads Team
James Butts
James serves as a Dad Engagement Specialist for Dad Engagement Services. He is a graduate of Liberty University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology: Crisis Counseling. He has passionately worked in the community delivering child development education, family support and advocacy to families across Hampton Roads since 2007. In his spare time, James enjoys coaching, spending time with family and exercising.
Gemayl Johnson
Gemayl “Mel” Johnson has a passion for inspiring and helping others overcome and handle life situations. He is a Human Services Professional with over 14 years of experience serving communities as a Special Education Teacher, QMHP A-C, Vocational Counselor, member of the Wounded Warriors Project, Independent Living Program Director and Life Skills Coach to name a few. Mel believes that we are put on this earth to help those in need as we progress in life. He lives by the slogan, “Embrace the journey.” The journey is life and everything that comes with it.
Joseph Massenburg
Joseph has been with The Up Center since 2006. He started as an In-Home Clinician and now works in Foster Care as a Therapeutic Family Clinician. Joseph loves working with the children and families to assist in their growth and progression.
Kevin Ferguson
Kevin Ferguson is the Grant Manager at the Up Center. The Up Center provides more than 20 critical support services for children and families in our community, including mental health counseling, parenting education and support, youth mentoring, foster care and adoption, housing and financial counseling, and services for people with disabilities.