Photos| Cheris Hodges
BENNETTSVILLE—Man2Man Fatherhood Initiative is a one-stop center for fathers. Through a holistic approach to strengthening fathers and helping them overcome issues that impact their effectiveness as fathers. Wednesday, Man2Man in Bennettsville held Bros and Brunch to show the community what their fatherhood initiative is all about.
Gregory Woods, Intervention Specialist, said the brunch was about opening the doors to the community and young men so people could get a first-hand look at what the program provides.
And what the program provides is hope.
Woods said,”Either they’re behind on child support or don’t have a job and they think the walls are crumbling on them, we want them to come in. They can come in voluntarily or court-ordered. But when they come in we teach them the value of fathers matter and let them know that being a part of their children’s lives is the main thing that keeps families strong. Some of the things that we pour into them is parenting skills.”
Woods said Man2Man participants also receive instructions to help with financial decisions, how to create healthy relationships and how to be an engaged dad.
“We even teach them how to take care of themselves. We even go into the high schools and do a program called Reality Check,” he said.
According to Woods, the program engages with juniors and seniors to find out if they are ready for life after high school, showing them many things that they may experience if they aren’t and offering them pathways to make better decisions.
“We’re teaching them about prevention, but what if [fatherhood] happens, what is your plan? We did a successful summer camp with NETC. College isn’t for everybody, but a trade is and we’re trying to let them know that this is available to them. My hope and prayer is that we have some young men and get what they need.”
If you want to help the program by volunteering, offering services or donating, you can reach Man2Man by visiting their office at 110 South Parsonage St. in Bennettsville or call (843) 479-4177.