UNITED PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Volume 20, No. 1 June 2008 Washington, DC
UPO Experience Helps Steady Fathers’ Course
Mr. Ricky Jackson heads to his catering job on the campus at Georgetown University.
n what would ultimately become a warm, pleasent Saturday afternoon in Washington, DC, UPO proved to be the ticket for a group of neighborhood fathers graduating from the Fatherhood Initiative, an activity operated by the agency’s Case Management Program, a component of Asset Development. Linda Holland heads Case Management which includes the Fatherhood Program coordinated by Charles Pyatt. The activity, that also includes mothers and grandparents, helps adults become better parents, ultimately assuring their children won’t simply become another sad statistic. Graduating fathers were quick to advance special themes of phrases including “I’m working full time and have two side jobs as well” and “you can get help if you want to help yourself,” also “everyone has a problem, but there is always a solution.” The Fatherhood Program supports parents in reconnecting and strengthening relationships with their co-parJUNE 2008
O
Fathers, mothers, and children gather during recent UPO Fatherhood Initiative graduation program.
Graduating fathers react to speech given by one of their own group.
ent and children,” notes Sheila Strain Clark, Asset Development’s director, adding “key services include parenting education, employment opportunities, social network building, and case management.” A particular poignant case involves Mr. Ricky Jackson, a DC man who has spent several years of his life moving within the penal system, including the former Lorton Reformatory and a stint within the federal penal system. A father of ?ve children, Mr. Jackson entered the Fatherhood Initiative with an eye toward straightening out his life. He notes
that his experiences were very positive, crediting UPO with helping him ultimately turn his life around “once and for all.” “The Fatherhood Program made me more proud of myself” he says, happily re?ecting that his 85-year old mother is very enthused about his success. “She did good things for me” he says of his mother, adding “I am so very happy that she is, at last, very proud.” Now working full time in the catering department at Georgetown University, Mr. Jackson says “If I can succeed, anyone can.” Meanwhile, Sheila Strain Clark notes the program has many good days ahead. “UPO will expand the Fatherhood Program to serve customers participating in the Transitional Employment Initiative during 2008,” she says. It’s a good thing the program will continue. For as Ricky Jackson observes, “I don’t have to look over my shoulder anymore.”
1