LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The West Ohio Community Action Partnership is launching a new program aimed at strengthening families by helping fathers build stronger relationships with their children.
The agency hosted a barbecue and picnic Friday at Martin Luther King Jr. Park to introduce its new Fatherhood Initiative Program. The event also featured local organizations sharing information about services and resources available to families.
The six-week program is designed to help fathers develop parenting skills through classes held twice a week.
“They teach things like co-parenting, parenting skills, avoiding corporal punishment. The fathers who complete the course get $200 to go for things like clothes and school supplies,” says Shelby Ashenfelter, Mentor Coach, WOCAP.
Program organizers said the initiative is intended to encourage fathers to play an active role in their children's lives.
“The idea is to realize that the father must have a place in the child's life and through the program, they hope to help dads learn what they can do for their child,” adds Vance Cuthrell, WOCAP Program Manager.
The program also connects participating families with additional community resources.
“Her job is to connect with the families and get them the resources they need,” says Shareena Ingram, WOCAP Enrollment Servcies Specialist.
Fathers interested in participating can contact WOCAP or visit the agency's website to complete a pre-application.
