'The Forgotten Parent' Group Launches Fatherhood Program for Teen Dads | Local News

TRAVERSE CITY — Experts call them “the forgotten parents”: teen fathers who have young children but rarely receive the type of support or attention given to teen mothers, according to a national study from Harvard Medical School.

Now, Generations Ahead is stepping up its efforts to fill that gap in the six-county area around Traverse City.

And they're asking for help from the local community.

“We want young fathers to know that they are very important in their children's lives, whether they are married or living in the same household or not,” said Marjie Rich, executive director of the nonprofit group.

Rich introduced Generation Aheads’ new “Fatherhood Advocacy” program at a recent county commission meeting. The program aims to provide direct, one-on-one mentoring to young fathers to help them overcome practical and personal challenges so they can remain actively involved in their children's lives.

Services are provided free of charge and can continue until the youngest parent is 22 years old.

High school counselor Chad Phillips just finished his 25-year career in education, primarily in the Cadillac area. He will soon become the new defender of fatherhood.

As the son of a teenage single mother and now a single father of three, Phillips has deep empathy for young fathers.

“There aren’t a lot of programs that specifically target young fathers,” he said. “They face many challenges, including financial and emotional. Imagine starting out as a father with no money, no job, and little support.

Learning to manage your emotions in times of stress is one of the most valuable skills young fathers can learn through mentoring, he added.

“Patience, love, being a good role model, how to deal with frustration, all of that is extremely important,” Phillips said. “Young dads also need to be present when they are with their children and not get distracted by technology or other things.

“Read a book to your children, go to the park together, play together, show them how much you care about them through daily activities. Research from the University of Michigan shows the very positive results that come from consistent male influence during childhood.

It is also crucial for young fathers to learn how to handle practical matters, whether it is managing a bank account, applying for a job or providing essential goods to growing children, he said. he declares. This is also part of the mentoring process, but it doesn't stop there.

Generations Ahead also provides much-needed help to parents through its Baby Pantry Program, which offers a wide range of supplies such as diapers, formula, clothing, baby wipes and more.

The nonprofit's paid internship program connects young parents with local businesses and organizations so they can develop their skills in the workplace and evaluate career options.

Landon Thompson became a father at an early age and now has two children that he co-parents with their mother – a 3-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl. He said he benefited greatly from his mentoring relationship with Marco Cabrera, who gave him his era through generations to come.

“Not every father is interested, but if you're willing to step up, it's extremely important for your children's development,” Thompson said during a recent interview at Bryant Park. “I didn’t have a father and I didn’t know what it was like to have a father’s love growing up.

“Now I know that the most rewarding thing about being a father is 'everything,'” he added with a smile. “Hearing your child say ‘I love you’ out of the blue is the most incredible experience.”

Raised in the St. Louis, Missouri area, Thompson moved to the area in 2012. After attending West and Central High Schools, he eventually graduated from Traverse City High School on Three Mile Road, which is also the location of Generations to Come. There, staff members share a former classroom space.

Today, Thompson is learning mechanics through a local internship. He also works a second job as a cook at a local restaurant. In the meantime, he devotes his time and energy to his children.

One of the hardest things about becoming a young father was losing some of his friends who “don't want to deal with the kids or the pick-up and drop-off thing,” he said. declared. “But I started making new friends. One of my new colleagues is now my best friend.

Studies show that about 25 to 35 percent of teen fathers want to be actively involved in their children's lives, and Phillips hopes that number continues to rise.

Sometimes animosity between young parents can get in the way of successful co-parenting, but Generations Ahead works to overcome this obstacle through hands-on case management, family enrichment events, playgroups and others socialization activities.

“Every father is different and we respect those differences,” said Sarah Payette, program manager at Generations Ahead. “Some want to have daily contact with their children, others less often. Parents choose what suits them best.

The first months of teenage parenthood can be extremely difficult for mothers and fathers alike, she added.

“Imagine trying to care for a baby without much support. You may be sleeping in a car or a tent. You can “couch surf” in a different location every few days. You may find it difficult, or almost impossible, to navigate the available support programs. And the stigma of being a teen parent is still present.

To meet these urgent needs, Generations Ahead collaborates with dozens of service providers throughout the region and enlists 40 to 50 volunteers.

For example, it partnered with the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency to offer a free “infant and toddler classroom” through the Early Head Start program. Located at Traverse City High School, this program allows young parents to take classes close to their children and learn important parenting skills.

“We are dealing with some of the most vulnerable people in our region,” Rich said. “Our programs give volunteers the opportunity to touch the lives of families who need it most. »

The majority of Generations Ahead's funding comes from individual donations and foundation grants. It also receives funding from the national liquor tax.

Last year, it received a one-time grant of $108,000 from the county to expand its outreach programs. These funds came from American Rescue Plan Act money that was allocated to the county during the pandemic.