Father Project Continues to Expand

MINNEAPOLIS - Over the years, a program called the Father Project has given many Minnesota dads a renewed relationship with their kids. FOX 9 first introduced the Father Project in 2006, when it was working out of a cramped house on University Avenue.

The Father Project was born out of the idea that men were more likely to pay child support if they were able to spend more time with their kids. Since 2006, they have helped hundreds of unmarried men become more involved in their children's lives. While their mission hasn't changed, they're work has garnered national attention.

’Our common goal with all of our fathers is for them to be better men and be better dads,’ said Guy Bowling, with the Father Project.

Advocates work with single dads to not only develop parenting skills, but the skills they'll need to succeed in life. They offer G.E.D. tutoring and legal services to help fathers navigate complicated custody and child support issues.

Three years ago, Nate Johnson began attending peer support groups and realized he wasn't alone.

’I've taken away much more knowledge of my place and not feeling so indifferent, considering I’m not married to the mother of my kids,’ said Johnson.

That's what keeps our fathers engaged in the program to know that you're not alone. You're not the only one that's been frustrated.

The program is now a part of Goodwill-Easter Seals and with the help federal funding continues to expand. It recently moved into a new space on Lake Street.

’These guys have the same hopes and dreams for their kids as anybody else. They're just looking for the resources to be able to help them so they can raise their kids in a productive and affective way,’ said Bowling.

Mayor RT Rybak will be the featured speaker an open house Thursday night.

For more information: http://www.goodwilleasterseals.org