For the past three years, I have worked with close to 120 teen fathers in the City of Bridgeport, focusing on preparing them for fatherhood.
Although many of them were understandably apprehensive and even afraid of what their futures entailed, abandoning their children and their responsibilities was never an option for them.
Many of these teenagers never had a father-figure in their lives and did not want their children to have to experience or endure that same void. As admirable as these young fathers’ intentions were, they still did not have the necessary experience or support in order to honor their promises of being committed to their children.
The Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program (GBAPP) is able to provide these young fathers with not only the outlet and training that they need, but also with a sense camaraderie and connection with each other.
These young men come from all over the city and attend these group sessions with one common goal: to become good fathers for their children. Through these groups, these fathers have been taught about child development, patience, the significance of healthy relationships, the power of education and most importantly, the importance of being there for their children.
Through this program, I have been able to see young fathers between the ages of 14 and 21 make great choices, whether it is deciding not to drop out of school or continuing on with pursuing higher education in order to provide a better future for their children.
Several of these young fathers have relocated out of their neighborhoods that were infested with violence and have moved to safer areas of Bridgeport for the sake and safety of their children.
I have been deeply moved by many members and parts of the community that have been dedicated to supporting GBAPP’s Teen Fathers Program through various donations and contributions, whether it is something as small as a baby blanket or something as significant as hiring one of our boys as an employee of their establishment.
Over the course of these 16-week programs, it has been an honor for me to witness the transformation of these teenagers from adolescents, unaware and afraid of the unknown to admirable young men, confident in their abilities to be good fathers.
I have witnessed these teen fathers make pledges and solemn vows to their children that no matter what the situation is or what the future holds, they will be there for them.
I have heard wonderful stories of young men who were so close to dropping out of school, and after being a part of this program have graduated high school , and have even continued on with a higher education or trade, and are now making $18 an hour with benefits.
I have also heard heartbreaking stories where some of these young men have lost their children, whether it was due to a miscarriage or a premature birth.
What has empowered me to do this work with the level of passion that I have is simply these fathers. Their belief in and level of commitment to the program is undeniable and irreplaceable.
Even when these 16-week programs would come to an end, I would never close these young men out or turn my back on them. If they wanted to stay and continue to learn, they knew that they were more than welcome. They have always known that whatever they needed, I would be there for them.
On this Father’s Day, my message to you all is if you know a young man who is about to become a father, please give him the support that he needs, whether it is financial support, supporting him in his education, surrounding him with strong male role models or enrolling him in a program like the Teen Fathers Program.
Every child deserves a father, so on this Father’s Day let’s not forget the teen fathers.
Saleh Hanaif is an Ansonia resident and the director for the teen fathers program at the Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program.
