Fathers make a unique and invaluable contribution to the well being of children. A father’s interaction with his children promotes healthy physical, emotional, and social development, and enhances children’s perceptual abilities and competency in relating to others. Unfortunately, many men become fathers without the skills needed to be a great dad. Most fathers want to be the best father they can be. But all too often, men grow up without a healthy role model of a father. Consequently, many fathers have the desire, but not the skills, to be a great dad. Foundations of Fatherhood™ helps men recognize and understand their role as a father, accept the challenges set before them, and learn the skills necessary to be a great dad and role model.

Foundations of Fatherhood™ is a character-based education and support program that consists of 12 modules. Each module is delivered weekly in a group setting. The curriculum is delivered by a trained staff member who facilitates the group or, ideally, by a peer- a father trained to facilitate the group. Men best learn fathering skills through interaction with their peers in a structured, group environment.

Foundations of Fatherhood™ focuses on universal aspects of fatherhood. Men of all cultures, races, religions, and background can benefit from the curriculum and program. Among the topics covered are:

1. Character
2. Anger Management
3. Child Development
4. Communications
5. Support Systems

The Erie Family for Child Development, located at 913 Payne Avenue, offers the 12-week Foundations of Fatherhood™ workshop to all dads in Erie County. Their belief is that Good Fathers Make a Difference by Staying Active in Their Children’s Lives. Transportation and childcare are provided however, you must schedule in advance by calling 814-874-6990. Below is the Erie Family Center Fatherhood workshop schedule:

Monday
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Union City Family Support Center
38 North Main Street
Union City, PA 16438

6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Serenity Hall/Crossroads
414 West 5th Street
Erie, PA 16507

Tuesday
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cascade United Methodist Church
1001 West 21st Street
Erie, PA 16502

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Community Nursing Services on North East
7 Park Street
North East, PA 16428

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Erie Family Center
913 Payne Avenue
Erie, PA 16503

Wednesday
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Rice Avenue Community Library 
705 Rice Avenue
Girard, PA 16417

Thursday
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Erie Family Center
913 Payne Avenue
Erie, PA 16503

Lean more about the Foundations of Fatherhood™ workshops offered by the Erie Family Center for Child Development, or to register for a class, please call 814-874-6990.

Update

Recently we were invited to sit in on one of the Foundations of Fatherhood workshops at the Erie Family Center, and took the opportunity to ask the fathers what they thought of the program. The group facilitator provided us with a Foundations of Fatherhood Evaluation form, and here is what we found:

1. Was the information you received during group sessions consistent with the topics described prior to each group?

6 participants answered Almost Always, 4 answered Often, and 2 answered Sometimes


2. Did the atmosphere/environment provide a "safe" place for you to share and learn?

11 participants answered Almost Always, and 1 answered Often


3. Was the facilitator able to keep discussion on the subject presented at the beginning of the group?

8 participants answered Almost Always, and 4 answered Often


4, Would you recommend this program to a friend or family member who is a parent or about to become a parent?

7 participants answered Almost Always, and 5 answered Often


When asked to give general feedback, here is what he were told about the program:

"I liked this program a lot. It is a good place to go where people are going through the same or almost the same situations."

"I feel that the Foundations of Fatherhood Program at the Erie Family Center should be required by all fathers"

"I am new to the Fatherhood workshop, but I do hope to learn as much as I can to better myself as a father, and also to better my life."

"I have been coming to this group for about 2 and a half years and enjoy every meeting. It helps me, and I hope other fathers can become the best dad's they can be."