There is no Hood like Fatherhood
By Kervens Toussaint
On September 7, 2016, the mood was set and the night was calm for yet another Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Fatherhood Mentorship Program’s 10th graduation ceremony. “It’s great to see 27 men earn the opportunity to put on a cap & gown, their families cheering them on as they walk across the stage with their heads held high.”
The Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Fatherhood Mentorship Program is a free program offered to fathers in Broward County. Fathers meet once a week to have dinner together, discuss issues, and receive various educational presentations such as parenting, child development, motor vehicle laws, child support, and various companies offering job opportunities.
“I love this program; I like what is being done here,” said Travis Parker, one of the program graduates.
Another graduate, Terrence Cooper stated, “We have to be an example to the youth, showing them that being positive is ok and will get them far in life.”
“I have been very fortunate, with the success of the program, to see so many fathers have continued success and progression since the start in late 2010” said Samuel Brown, Fatherhood Program Manager.
The night was climaxed by the Westside Gazette’s own Mr. Bobby R. Henry, Sr. delivering the keynote speech on the importance and power behind the word father. “One of the most prolific prayers in the world begins with, “Our Father. To be honored with such a term carries a lot of weight,” Henry stated.
Shortly thereafter, fathers were called to walk across the stage as their children and families applauded their FATHER.
Funded by the Children’s Services Council and partial funding through the A.D. Henderson Foundation, the Fatherhood Mentorship Program is a free program equipping, educating, and empowering fathers to be heroes to their children, community, and city. This is a time our community can celebrate in the achievements of these young men. Let’s join together to support and encourage them in their quest to be a great father.
For more information on the Fatherhood Mentorship Program, please go to our website www.hmhbbroward.org or contact Samuel Brown, Program Coordinator at (954) 765-0550. The Fatherhood Mentorship Program can be followed on Facebook/Instagram @nohoodlikefatherhood on Twitter @fatherhood_1.
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward County is a tax exempt 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1989 dedicated to reducing infant deaths by strengthening families through a comprehensive approach to prenatal care, parenting, education and support services.
List of graduates :Aaron Allen, Torrance Cooper, Andre Derico, Edward Dobson, Ken Hankerson Sr., Gene Harris, Kevin Henry, Jyriah Hicks, Nickson Julien, Alvin Kendrick, Amard Kendrick, Danielo Lamour, Steve Marshall, Alan Maxwell, Micael Mckluee, Javon McMillan, Daniel Mondesir, Benny Oliver, Travis Parker, Corwin Townsend, Solomon Richardson, Otis Smith, Rubin Taylor, Lonie Warren, Roderick Williams, Rufus Wright, and Timothy Yancey. Program Manager: Samuel Brown, Case Managers: Cornelius Fuller, Kervens Toussaint. Caters: Mary Brown, Jannie Brown
