“It’s a miracle place…a model for the nation,” said U.S. House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, referring to Fathers’ Support Center (FSC) during a round table discussion today at the agency’s headquarters.
Invited by U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay, a long-time advocate of FSC, both Pelosi and Clay joined CEO Halbert Sullivan, staff, board members and local dignitaries for a tour and round table discussion on the needs of fathers and families in the community.
“We are here to listen to your needs,” said Pelosi. “I’m inspired by this program, and the message of hope I hear in every story.”
Several FSC alumni fathers shared stories of transformation, including one incarcerated father, who recently enrolled in FSC’s Re-Entry program: “FSC has given me a foundation to build upon, so I can start seeing my kids again once I’m out of prison.”
Both board members and staff were invited to share perspectives on fatherhood and policies that impact FSC clients. One of the most pressing concerns is the incarceration of parents who owe child support and cannot see their children.
“It never serves the community to penalize a father and prevent him from seeing his children,” said Clay in reference to laws that imprison fathers who owe back child support.
Others shared their concern for the next generation of fathers and what they will have to face if certain laws do not evolve to benefit outcomes for children and families. “This is a priority for our office,” said Pelosi. “It’s about recognizing the importance of dads in the lives of children. All these children are
our
children.”
Both Pelosi and Clay promised a “better plan for the people” and for parents and more change to current crime bills that drastically impact the family and take parents away from their children.
