A new program focused on family preservation by supporting fathers is now offered by Buckner Longview. Fatherhood EFFECT focuses on the importance of a bond between child and father.
 
According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, children who grow up in a father-absent home are two times more likely to drop out of school, seven times more likely to become pregnant at a young age and more likely to go to prison.
 
But children who grow up with involved fathers are shown to perform better in school and are less likely to be mistreated or have behavioral problems. Creating resources for dads in Longview, Texas, helps them to become the best fathers and role models they can be for their children and families.
 
“Supporting fathers by equipping them with important parenting, social and emotional skills empowers them to be an active parent and helps them build and maintain bonds with their children,” explained Kevin Pineda, fatherhood support specialist with Buckner Longview. “Whether a birth father or a father figure, involvement in a child’s life helps ensure the child is set up for a healthy life and future success.”
 
The Fatherhood EFFECT program supports dads of all kinds: biological, adoptive, foster, kinship, guardian, stepdad to grandfather. 
 
The program educates fathers of children 17 years or younger so they can intentionally engage in their children’s lives throughout a variety of life seasons and help strengthen their families. The program supports the belief that fathers play a critical role in the development, growth and self-confidence in their children. Buckner uses the 24/7 Dad® curriculum. 

The curriculum offers the tools to help dads improve their attitudes, knowledge and skills. Each 24/7 Dad® program consists of 12 group-based sessions that build on each other. Key topics the fathers focus on include co-parenting, communication and how to show and express feelings, learning the father's role, family history and much more.
 
In February, the Buckner Longview team hosted an open house to introduce the program to local community leaders and collaborators who also have a vested interest in strengthening vulnerable families, such as Judge of County Court at Law No.1 in Gregg County, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, local churches, Longview ISD and others. 
 
The event featured information about the program and its impact as well as tours of the Buckner campus in Longview.
 
“It is incredibly important for children to have actively engaged parents, and this program equips dads to take on a more active role. We are excited to offer this no-cost program to our Longview community,” said Shelly Smith, Buckner Longview executive director. 
 
In addition to supporting dads through the Fatherhood EFFECT program in Longview, Buckner offers parenting education and coaching through the Buckner Family Hope Center®, support for single parents pursuing their educational and career goals through Buckner Family Pathways® and caring for seniors at Buckner Westminster Place. 

Are you a dad in need of support? Learn more about Fatherhood EFFECT.