PROGRAM

 

The ultimate goal for our male involvement program is to help males learn how to recognize and take responsibility for their actions.  Various research and data have shown how father-absent homes impact the lives of children, particularly male children.  

 

As supported by the National Center for Fathering article “The Consequences of Fatherlessness”, children from fatherless homes are more likely to be poor, become involved in drug and alcohol abuse, drop out of school, and suffer from health and emotional problems. Boys are more likely to become involved in crime, and girls are more likely to become pregnant as teens.

 

Therefore, the above consequences of fatherlessness sometimes cause males not to share their issues.  They become withdrawn due to the lack of trust or feeling no one can help me.  We meet male’s every day who is experiencing emotional, physical, or mental pain.  Some may acknowledge the pain but unclear of the root cause of that pain.  Often males tend to express the pain in ways that are not healthful to them or others.  Then there are many who are in denial of the pain.  They have learned to “suck it up” or “hold it in” because “I am a man”.  Some males have been reared to believe if they share their pain then it’s an admission of weakness or not being a real man.  If they admit to the pain, then it shifts them to being shamed and abused.  Then, they often end up isolated and afraid in the pain.

 

In this positive male development program, we provide an opportunity for them to openly communicate their thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a safe, secure, and conducive environment.  This will create an atmosphere that will encourage and enhance male bonding free of criticism.  So by breaking the fear, shame, and guilt of how they feel will give an opportunity for networking, among peers and interacting with their mentor.

 

The target population is males 11- 21 years of age, who live primarily in Columbus and Muscogee County area.  This male involvement project is basically voluntary although one may be mandated to attend from the courts.