Martin Hershey was in a tough place when he joined Fathers Making Progress.
Hershey said he was struggling as an individual and with his family. But because of the program, he’s been able to grow as a person and as a father.
“Without this program, I would have never seen my flaws. and I wouldn’t be where I am,” he said. “My kids call to hang out with me now.”
Fathers Making Progress, or FMP, addresses the needs of fathers in Milwaukee by sharing knowledge and resources to help them become the best fathers they can be.
Hershey, along with 20 other men, became alumni of Fathers Making Progress in early March after completing the group’s Fathers Building Fathers classes.
“I’m just happy to welcome these men into the brotherhood,” said Terron Edwards, the president and founder of FMP. “It’s a blessing to see the growth and watch these fathers own our narrative and change it.”
A brotherhood of fathers
Fathers Building Fathers is a 12-week program, facilitated by FMP staff, which offers fathers the opportunity to learn best practices for parenting, share what works for them and join a brotherhood of fathers that supports them and pushes them to achieve their goals.
“I learned something new about myself every class,” Hershey said.
According to Tyler LeRoy, a facilitator with FMP, the class is broken down into three modules:
- The man before the father: centers on manhood, values, emotions and feelings
- Relationships that build: focus on one’s network and the people you choose to be around and in relationships with.
- The father I am: focuses on discipline styles and development.
“We wanted to make sure they had a space to feel heard and valued,” LeRoy said. “In these classes, men were able to learn with each other and from each other.”
The class was advertised for young fathers, but fathers of all ages took the opportunity to learn and become better.
Continued access to support
Ellis Bayliss is a father of four and has been married to his wife for 55 years. He said while he struggled to give up his Saturdays to take the class, he was happy he did.
“I learned a lot and I felt compelled to contribute to the class,” he said. “I hope I was able to share some knowledge that might help.”
Donald Laster, a father of seven, said it was beautiful to see men uplifting one another.
Because the new graduates are now part of the FMP alumni network, they will continue to have access to the support they built during the class through alumni nights and other activities FMP offers.
“I looked forward to Saturdays,” said Roscoe Riggins, another father who graduated from the program. “The information I gained made me a better father.”
Karen G. says
Respect for these men. Everyone could use help being a better parent, but not many reach out for that help — and follow through!
Martin Hershey says
To have this type of educational and support group all in one is remarkable! Fur people like me it’s the best things out there! We learn from each other and not a book or so called professionals that try to always teach you coping skills. We need to know we’re not being judged but supported! That’s what FMP does from the min you sign up and start going! This is a brotherhood for life.
Ty says
Thank you Princess for highlighting the good in our city.
Strong fathers = Strong families = Strong communities.
C-mill$ says
Thank you so much for the recognition of a very powerful group FMP!