According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 17.6 million children, nearly 1 in 4, live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home. That’s enough children to fill New York City twice or Los Angeles four times over.
Men on Mission is The Bridge Wellness South’s newest addition to the iNvest Parent Prep Program We believe that strong fathers make strong families, and that becoming a strong father takes not just work, but support. When fathers are engaged, the outcomes for the mothers and children improve dramatically. When fathers participate in ultrasounds, 97% of mothers choose life– a 10% increase over when the mother attends alone. Fathers also play a critical in long-term child development with their involvement being linked to decreased infant mortality, stronger outcomes, and better emotional health. If fatherhood is such a foundational component in families and communities, why not offer them the support they need to become the best parents they can be?
The Men on Mission fatherhood program has four integral components:
• Father-Centered Education Classes via BrightCourse’s online curriculum
• Biweekly Fellowship Nights to connect and build community with other fathers,
• One-on-One Mentorship with The Bridge’s trained male mentors to walk through this time with the fathers
• A weekly “Healthy Relationships” Class on emotional intelligence, communication, and building Godly relationships
One story from The Bridge’s mission to support fathers is Quan’s. Quan came to us just needing a car seat. His girlfriend had delivered early, and he was doing his best to prepare. He wasn’t planning on staying for a parenting class. But he did. That night, Quan sat among other dads and heard men talk honestly about fear, faith, and fatherhood. He found something he didn’t know he needed—a brotherhood. Today, Quan is more than a new dad. He’s part of a movement of men choosing to lead with strength and purpose.
You can help this movement grow.
The Men on Mission program needs male champions to stand in the gap with the fathers coming into our clinic. Mentorship and fellowship are critical in becoming a strong father that can lead a strong family; many of these men have not had an example for Godly fatherhood, and they need you to show them the way. Find out more about becoming a helping hand for new fathers through the Men on Mission program– visit our website or call our office at (770) 957-8288 to get involved.
Volunteering isn’t the only way to support The Bridge’s new fatherhood initiative. Our center depends on your donations to provide care and education to our community. Men on Mission needs your support to come alongside the fathers that walk through our doors, uncertain of how to become the man their family needs. Donate today to support a new generation of dads that lead their family on their walk with God.
