In Milwaukee, a fatherhood program is making a difference in the lives of fathers and their children. Terron Edwards, founder of Fathers Making Progress, has been working with fathers on the North Side for two decades, providing free courses on parenting, manhood, and becoming role models.

Changing Lives

Edwards’ organization supports Milwaukee fathers with parenting skills, case management, mentorship, and more. He launched the organization after working at New Hope Project and Northcott Neighborhood House, where he focused on advocating for working poor non-custodial parents and fatherhood-related work.

Demetrius Simmons, a 27-year-old father of seven, participated in the program in 2019. He said the initiative showed him what brotherhood was and created a safe space for him to be vulnerable without judgment. Chris Harris, a 39-year-old father of four, also participated in the organization and said it helped him overcome the challenge of raising his children in different homes.

Building Strong Generational Cycles

Edwards’ other focus with Fathers Making Progress is ensuring that fathers develop strong generational cycles, which help them pass down patterns, behaviors, and beliefs to the next generation. The organization also builds stronger generational cycles through an initiative called ‘Boys to Leaders,’ where men from the organization visit local schools to offer intergenerational workshops, mentorship, and other free services.

Simmons said his greatest lesson is knowing that being a present father is everything. Edwards also said that being present is his top lesson, and advises fathers to develop an understanding of what their beliefs and values are so they can pass it to their children.

Original reporting: Wisconsin Watch — read the source article.