Fatherhood Empowerment Project (FEP) at Mercy Center offers skills-based, evidence-informed activities and services serving non-custodial fathers with children in foster care, and custodial fathers whose children are at-risk for out-of-home placement with children challenged by different disabilities. The program offers fathers with children challenged by different disabilities, the opportunities to gain the appropriate knowledge and skills to address their children’s challenges and limitations. Most of the children are currently experiencing emotional/behavioral challenges. Hence, the fathers participate in nurturing parenting classes, counseling, social skills building, mindfulness activities and mentoring that support a stable family unit. Father/ child interaction and activities are scheduled during the sessions with the fathers, in addition to, planned recreational activities that are offered to promote positive activities that these families can engage in with other fathers and families similar to their own.

Our participants have stated the following:
“Great program, very well put together, great bonding.” -RB
“I enjoyed attending this group and I will continue to implement these skills in my everyday life.” -KD