DadsFirst provides a path that enables fathers to better connect with their families.
“Uninvolved fathers damage their families. DadsFirst provides training that equips uninvolved fathers to fulfill their roles as fathers.”
— Chuck Aycock
Our Vision
The DadsFirst vision is to see thousands of men become active in healing the deep hurts that separate them from their children and to equip dads to serve as positive role models in their families once healed.
Core Concept
DadsFirst is founded on a single, overarching conviction that involved fathers are critical to the financial, emotional, intellectual and spiritual wellbeing of children and families -- and therefore to the foundation and health of neighborhoods and communities. Fathers are not just nice to have around -- they are profoundly needed and irreplaceable in the lives of their children.
The DadsFirst core principle is grounded in a biblically-based understanding of what a family is and how families function in healthy relationships. Research clearly recognizes that a child's wellbeing is materially advanced by strong, high-quality relationships between their parents. Commitment to such relationships -- healthy marriages and a strong father-child bond -- advances the well-being of children and families.
“Your father is the first person in your life who either chooses you or doesn’t. If he doesn’t, there is a hole so deep that there is no bottom floor.”
– George Fines
Research and studies underscore the increasing need to address father-absence from families in our communities and neighborhoods. Consider these statistics, for example:
In 2018, 73% of all births in major urban areas in the United States were to single women.
Over 27 million children in the United States live in father-absent homes. Nationwide, that represents more than 1 out of every 3 children. In the United States, nearly 2 in 3 African-American children; nearly 4 in 10 Hispanic children; and 1 in 4 white children live in father-absent homes.
Children in father-absent homes are five times more likely to be poor. In 2010, 7.8% of married-couple families were living in poverty, compared with 38.4% of female-household families.
Children who live in father-absent homes, on average, are at least two to three times more likely to use drugs; to experience educational, health, emotional and behavioral problems; to be victims of child abuse; to become teen parents and engage in criminal behavior.
Father absence also causes common everyday issues for adults such as anger, passivity, overachievers, shame and performance, and more, at work and at home.
Programs for Dads
We have training programs to equip and train men to be the fathers they and their families want them to be. Our programs make the teaching engaging and in the end, successful.
“With the support from DadsFirst, we have been able to serve our kids and families better than ever.”
— Alonzo F., Director of non-profit
Resources for Learning
We have training materials including books, articles, videos and outstanding partners to help equip men and their families..
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
Chuck@dadsfirst.org
Phone
(612) 327-5859