By Raheem Young and Sir Royce Briales
Fathers play an important role in their children’s development. When children have positive paternal role models their chances of leading constructive lives greatly improve.
Researchers from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services wrote that 71% of teenage girls who become pregnant grew up in fatherless homes. The Center for Health Journalists wrote, that when the emotional and mental health needs of fatherless boys are addressed, their rates of high school dropout, joblessness, and incarceration decrease. There are several empirical studies that emphasize the importance of engaged fathers as well as studies that illustrate the social consequences of disengaged absentee fathers.
Welcome to Fatherhood was created to address the issues of absentee fathers, disenfranchised families, and the lack of positive male role models within many communities. Their work is both familial as well as communal.
Welcome to Fatherhood understands there are many factors that contribute to a father not being with his family, so they work with dads on a multitude of challenges. These services are designed to address mental health issues, community violence issues, parental engagement, and poverty.
Welcome to Fatherhood has bimonthly meetings called Parenting Symposiums as well as a bimonthly community outreach project called Father’s Feed. The goal of Welcome to Fatherhood’s Parent Symposiums is to help fathers cope with the pressures of fatherhood as well as assist them in developing the skills necessary to improve their families and communities.
Sir Royce Briales (Making Changes in the Community)
Highly dedicated and fun-loving, Sir Royce Briales is a powerhouse entrepreneur whose underlying mission is to give fathers the quality advice, support, and empowerment they deserve. As the Co-Founder of Welcome to Fatherhood (WTF), a spearheading nonprofit organization where new and experienced fathers of all ages can showcase their superpowers to the masses. He enjoys building a strong community that gives both dads and their kids the best grounds to thrive on.
Nothing makes Sir Royce happier than being able to help new and seasoned fathers reach their full potential with family engagement. He has a genuine passion for what he does and demonstrates that by building his nonprofit on a foundation of authenticity, integrity, and trust where fathers from every corner can come together to learn and unwind.
Gabriel Hubbard-Campbell (Making Changes in the Community)
Gabriel Hubbard-Campbell is on the board of Welcome to Fatherhood. He is also the CEO and Director of Kings Kidz Academy. He has over a decade of experience working in the field of education. He has dedicated his career to the development and growth of young minds.
His expertise lies in the field of early childhood development, and he is passionate about creating a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for all children. Gabe holds a dual degree from Robert Morris University, where he focused on business studies. This unique combination of educational and business knowledge allowed him to effectively manage and lead his school.
Gabe firmly believes that learning is a lifelong journey that never stops. It is a mindset that drives personal growth and empowers individuals to reach their fullest potential. Gabe is committed to providing a holistic and enriching educational experience for all the children and families he serves.