Walking into Ebenezer Ministry & Family Worship Center on a Friday night last month, guests were greeted with a burst of sensations: the smell of macaroni and cheese, smiling children and plenty of hugging.
The occasion was the first Dinner With Dad, a catered event organized by Men Mending Men in the Community – an organization that, among other things, supports men returning to their community after incarceration.
One harm of incarceration is how it separates men from their families and children, said Bryan Winters, co-founder and president of Men Mending Men.
“Quite often, men who’ve been previously incarcerated are absent from the families – or don’t have the ability or time to sit down with their families and have a meal,” said Winters, the biological father of four children and father figure to four others.
“My objective was to bring together the families of men who’ve been previously incarcerated – not only with other families with similar circumstances, but also with fathers who haven’t been previously incarcerated.”
Dinner With Dad will be held annually to honor fathers, father figures and mentors – as well as the people in their lives.
“We just want to have an event where you could bring the man in your life to say, ‘We love you,’ said Michael Yarbrough, a minister on the board of Men Mending Men.
Take a look at who was celebrating – and being celebrated – at Dinner With Dad.
For more information
People can keep up with other regular events hosted by Men Mending Men.
Ebenezer Ministry & Family Worship Center also offers community services and support.
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