Young Dads Program

Being a dad is a hard job, even in the best of times. For young fathers struggling with poverty, unemployment and violence, it can be even tougher. Every year, hundreds of young men in Minneapolis and St. Paul come to the Young Dads program for support, inspiration and assistance. The fathers connect with their children, gain skills and resources to support their children emotionally and financially, and can be – in the words of so many young men we have worked with – “the kind of father no one ever was to me.”

A friend referred Kahleem to the Young Dads program when he was struggling:

“He told me it was a place where guys can get resources, classes and groups. What appealed to me was that it was a program for guys in the same boat. I like the camaraderie with other fathers. You can voice your opinion and no one judges you. The guys who run the group are really positive. They seem to genuinely want to help young guys figure out their problems and point them in the right direction.

“I go to the Monday night Financial Literacy Class, the Tuesday night Young Dads meeting, and the Thursday rally meetings. They have a Computer Room where you can look for jobs on the Internet, apply for jobs online, and print your resume. I am busy looking for a job, and I am going to participate in the Business Class to explore the possibility of owning my own business.

“My son, Z, is 10 years old and in the fifth grade. He likes to learn about everything, so I try to explain to him whatever he asks me about. He is a really good kid. My son definitely motivates me, and I motivate myself. I know that no one’s going to do it for me. I’ve got to do it myself.

“This program restored my faith and my hope. Now I see I can make it. Having a group I can come to and talk with makes a big difference. My number-one goal is to secure employment, then to get my own apartment and stay with the Young Dads program to learn how to be a good parent. I’ve still got a lot of learning to do.”