G R A B - Group

This program provides some basic material we have used in conducting discussion groups for Males. It is not intended to be a complete work, but rather merely an outline from which one can begin. Although this material is geared more for groups, it is easily adaptable for use with individuals on a one-to-one basis.

 

The meetings work best in a group of up to fifteen men in 90min sessions and one hour individual session. Discussions are topical and cover such subjects as friendship, habits, hurts, self image, anger, making decisions, etc. (as it relates to men in their own personal lives and as a man and a father.



 

Above all, effective management, at all levels, requires effective communication. While many communications tools are available, one that is often overlooked is the one-on-one sessions. One-on-one meetings between the Family Coach and the participant provide an uninterrupted private time to receive and discuss the participants' status while at the same time providing a vehicle for personalized feedback and mentoring. The time is focused on meeting the individual needs of the participant. 

If you are in need of a "Family Coach", please contact us and we will email you the appropriate documents to get you started.

 

The curriculum that is used by fathering coaches is from the National Center for Fathering)

 

We have all been thirsty. Our specific memories may be very different, but that all-consuming desire for relief is the same.

Children feel that same urgent desire to be with their dads in a close, caring relationship. They yearn for male guidance and leadership, but too often it isn't there, so many children are forced to go on playing the game of life with that desperate, all-consuming thirst. Sometimes the need for acceptance and belonging gets so strong that they will try anything to quench their thirst—gangs, drugs, sex, etc. But those only provide temporary relief and soon make the thirst even more severe. The only truly satisfying drink comes from a father actively and purposefully pouring his life into his children.

Some Reasons Behind the Thirst

The National Center for Fathering is endeavoring to bring a cup of cold water to some of the most father-thirsty areas of our nation—inner cities. According to Census Bureau statistics, 70% of all urban families have absent fathers, compared to 25% of households nationwide.

 

Urban fathers of all stages in life have some special challenges and barriers to overcome. Because of the high rate of fatherlessness and lack of male role models, many urban communities are mother-focused. Moms have courageously stepped up and taken responsibilities that men have ignored, so children have very strong attachments to their mothers. That can be a healthy situation, but often it creates another barrier for the father as he seeks to connect with his children. The mother is used to being in charge of the child, and she doesn't want to give up any control to a man who hasn't proven himself trustworthy. It's important to encourage the dads to respect their children's mother, work as a team with her, and over time, win back her trust.

There are other challenges related to education and employment. The average urban dad is relatively uneducated and has limited options. If he owes child support, getting a job means that his wages may be garnished, leaving very little for his own expenses. He may soon adopt a "Why bother?" attitude, get involved in drugs or crime to support himself, and lose his motivation to be a responsible father.

Other barriers for urban dads include addictions to gambling, sex, or drugs and alcohol; deep anger related to racial issues or family strife; low self-esteem; and a lack of moral and spiritual grounding.

The Urban Fathering Project