FRC Starts ‘Nurturing Fathers Series’

Fathers have always been welcome and supported through the offerings at Lakes Region Community Services’ (LRCS) Family Resource Center (FRC), but it hasn’t always been easy to connect with them.  Knowing that fathers have such an important role in raising happy, healthy children, the FRC is reaching out to dads in different ways. 

For the past two years, ‘Fishing with Fathers’ has provided a popular day for children and the special men in their lives to get together and have fun on NH’s free fishing day.  The FRC has also held one time workshops for fathers and professionals on the wonderful ways they can contribute to the success of their children.  And most recently, the FRC has held classes for incarcerated dads and provided opportunities for face-to-face visits with their children at the end of each successfully completed module.

This September the FRC will begin a new program – ‘Nurturing Fathers’ a free 13-week series for men striving to be the best dads they can be.  A second class is planned for the spring, with the expectation that Nurturing Fathers will be offered for years to come. The Nurturing Fathers Series will provide a space for men to connect with other men who are parenting in similar times and circumstances. It promises to be a powerful experience for all who choose to participate.

The Series will be facilitated by two experienced fathers and LRCS Directors, David Emond and Steve Colombo.  Both men trained in the curriculum this spring through a grant from the New Hampshire Children’s Speedway and are looking forward to the fall program debut. The Father Engagement Action Team (FEAT) at the Division of Children, Youth and Families, has been a strong partner of the Family Resource Center in bringing this series to fruition.

Nurturing Fathers Series will meet on Thursday evenings from 5:30-8:00 pm from September 11 – December 11, 2014.  Topics will include dealing with feelings, discipline without violence, communication and problem solving, play, teamwork with spouse or partner, and more. Dinner will be included and limited assistance with childcare and transportation is available.  For more information on this and other classes offered through the Family Resource Center, please contact Tricia Tousignant at 528-0391 or triciat@lrcs.org.