Special Reports

Local Program Brings Out-Of-Touch Fathers Back In

BOSTON (WBZ) ― Social service agencies estimate at least half the children in Boston are born to unwed mothers, and often, fathers are barely in the picture, if at all.

Generally, kids without fathers struggle in school, are more prone to crime, and have more trouble emotionally. As we look to Father's Day, a local program is trying to break that cycle by bringing fathers back into the family.

On a hot and sunny afternoon Craig Haymon and his son, Zach are playing frisbee in a Mission Hill park. Haymond doesn't take any of this for granted. These are treasured moments, and he's worked hard for them.

"There was not a single male that I grew up with that I respected enough that I would want to be like," says Haymon.

With no role models, parenting didn't come easy. When Zach was very young, Craig left. He admits to having a temper, but he wanted to change. And eventually, he even wanted custody of his son. That's when a caseworker suggested the father's program.

"I think there would be thousands of father's in the greater Boston area who would benefit," says Randal Rucker, the CEO of Family Service of Greater Boston, the agency that runs the program "Helping Fathers Be Fathers."

With so few programs specifically for dads, he says the "Helping Fathers" program fills a critical need.

"When there are responsible, engaged fathers in their children's lives, the children are 5 times less likely to grow up in poverty," says Rucker.

For Craig Haymon the program is working. He says he saw his relationship with Zach change for the better almost immediately. The program is intensive. In 10 to 12 weeks, fathers like Craig get peer support, mental health services and parenting help.

"If nothing else, it helps you become a better person. Not just with your kid, but with other people as well," he says. And his life is much better and richer than it was 2 years ago. "Leaps and bounds doesn't quite hit the mark," says Craig.

Two months ago, Craig gained full custody of his son. Next month, Zach turns nine. "I think Father's Day should be every day," says Craig. And these days it is.

About 50 men are now in the father's program at Family Service of Greater Boston. The program is privately funded and the agency believes the need to expand it is great.

For more information about this program and others offered by Family Service of Greater Boston, go to: www.fsgb.org.

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