Honoring the Commitment of 12 Incarcerated Fathers Who are Rewriting Their Stories and Graduating from an Impactful Fatherhood Training Program
Fathers Incorporated’s “Next Level Fatherhood” program empowers dads to contribute to the strengthening of their children and families.
The Gentle Warriors Academy (GWA), the service delivery arm of Fathers Incorporated (FI), helps adult fathers (18+) incorporate best practices for managing the responsibilities of being parents/co-parents and partners. Today, GWA graduates 12 fathers who completed FI’s “Next Level Fatherhood” program and are currently incarcerated in the Fulton County Jail.
“It is important that we provide training to our fathers who are returning to the community to ensure they have the tools needed to establish their rights, understand the impact of present and active fatherhood, and ensure they have the resources they need to be productive members of their community again,” says Javin Foreman, project director for Gentle Warriors Academy. “Upon release, participants can connect with Fathers Incorporated resources, including case managers, life coaches, navigators, and more.”
Ranging in age from 27 to 52, the men who completed the 10-week, fatherhood-centered curriculum have been participating two times a week for two hours since November 4, 2024. The “Next Level Fatherhood” curriculum and subsequent training were facilitated by James “Beau” Gaudreau. The content and approach are adapted from research and evidence-informed FI trainings that provide comprehensive and culturally relevant programming geared toward parents in low-income communities. The modules focus on, but aren’t limited to:
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“We’re celebrating not only a graduation but a profound journey of transformation and courage,” says Kenneth Braswell, FI founder and CEO. “Each participating father has taken significant strides towards rewriting their story for themselves, their children, and families. As they step forward from this day, they carry not just a certificate but a renewed commitment to their role as irreplaceable figures in their families’ lives.”
“Today, we celebrate not just the achievements of these 12 graduates, but the power of collaboration and second chances. The Fathers Inc. Program is a testament to our commitment to rebuilding lives and strengthening families,” says Fulton County Sheriff Patrick “Pat “ Labat. “These men have shown incredible determination to become positive role models. I want to thank our partners at Fatherhood Incorporated for their continued support. Together, we are fostering a brighter future for our community, one father at a time.”
Fathers Incorporated (FI), founded more than 20 years ago in 2004, works to change the current societal and cultural definition of family to be inclusive of fathers and works collaboratively with organizations around the country to identify and advocate for social and legislative changes that lead to healthy father involvement with children, regardless of the father’s marital status, economic status or geographic location.