Members of the Fatherhood Advantage program are, from left, first row: Robin Scott, facilitator; Tyrone Martin; Jerald Grier; Pershawn Jeff, facilitator; and Thomas Hudson; and second row: Devin Parker; Timothy Young; Earl Wright; Anthony Prescott; Michael Wallington; Kevin McClain Jr.; and Darren LaCue; Facilitator. (Photo contributed) The conversation is frank, and the topics of discussion are not for the faint-of-heart. However, the purpose of those assembled for the Fatherhood Advantage program, sponsored by Prevent Child Abuse (PCA), Jenkins, is very worthwhile - learning how to become better fathers and role models for their children.

Fatherhood Advantage began March 26 and is facilitated by Tony Wardlaw, a licensed counselor.

On the second and fourth Thursday of each month, the group of men of varying ages gathers at the JCFEC Resource Center to discuss the common challenges and problems they face. There is a "no holds barred" attitude as they openly discuss issues such as determining child paternity and legiti- macy, paying child support, the effects of unemployment on families, transportation problems and the long-term effects of past criminal offenses.

"We're very frank here. We've probably all gone through the same things," said one participant.

It is pointed out by facilitator Robin Scott that research shows that a father's involvement with his children can have a significant impact on the child's grades, behaviors and delinquency. The closer the father-child relationship, the better the child does.

"The bottom line is that it is all about the children," agreed Pam Brown, Community Partnerships for Protecting Children coordinator. "Fatherhood Advantage is a collaborative effort with the Jenkins County Department of Family and Children Services' (DFCS) office and PCA, Jenkins. Paternal involvement was initially identified by DFCS as a need for their families. PCA, Jenkins championed the cause as a prevention/intervention tool for child abuse/neglect, and a Promoting Safe and Stable Families grant was written to pioneer the program."

The group is also taught ways to become better fathers and role models by spending time with their children, earning the right to be heard, disciplining with love, teaching their children values, modeling the proper way to handle conflict, taking responsibility for their words and action, showing love, teaching their children to cooperate and respecting their children's mothers.

All of the participants agree that the program is helpful.

"It's good. We're encouraged to spend more time with our children," said one participant.

"My father was never there for me, and I said if I ever had children, I wouldn't do that to them," another commented.

There is also a feeling of comradeship among the group. Encouraging each other through their common struggles is an important aspect of the program, they said.

"We just lay it on the line here. All the walls come down. We can laugh about it, because we've shared the same experiences. It doesn't do any good to try and hide things," a participant explained.

Although the group is currently all-black, Scott pointed out that participation is open to any father or anyone who is a role-model for a child.

For more information on the program, contact JCFEC at 982- 8004.