Like many new fathers, Nelson Gabriel learned parenting through trial and error. His earliest days of fatherhood included backward diapers and confusion about car seats- experiences that shaped his mission to help other fathers succeed.
“Parenthood isn’t cookie cutter: today, this might work; tomorrow, it might not work,” says Gabriel, director of the nonprofit Made Men. “But the basic principles of being there, being present in your children’s lives – that’s what matters.”
That philosophy drives the Dad’s Conclave, a new monthly support program launching Dec. 14 in Kansas City, Kansas. The program aims to help fathers navigate parenting challenges while offering support services, including potentially significant financial relief for those struggling with child support payments.
“We’re trying to help dads get skilled up and to make a better life for themselves and for their families,” says Gabriel.
The inaugural meeting runs from 10 a.m. to noon at 626 Minnesota Ave on the third floor, and going forward, the Dad’s Conclave will continue to meet every second Saturday of the month.
Through program participation, fathers can earn up to thousands off their Kansas state child support arrears – the portion of child support owed to the state, not the amount that goes to children’s custodial parents. They can earn $1,000 by committing to program attendance, another $1,500 by getting a GED and other incentives up to $4,500 from Kansas.
“This doesn’t take money away from the kids,” Gabriel says. “We’re helping fathers get back on track while ensuring support continues flowing to their children.”
Kansas Child Support representatives will attend to help fathers address warrants and payment issues without risk of arrest.
The program offers comprehensive support including:
- Job placement helping fathers earn at least $45,000 annually.
- GED completion assistance
- Peer mentoring
- Insurance industry career training
- Initial needs assessment to identify fathers’ current situations in one of five categories: crisis, vulnerable, safe, building capacity, or empowered- with the goal of moving towards empowerment
The first 20 fathers to register will receive Visa gift cards. The program is free to attend, and both in-person and virtual attendance options are available. A free breakfast is also provided for attendees.
Gabriel, who grew up without a father himself, sees the program as critical for strengthening families and communities.
“What I believe deep in my heart is that if the dad’s okay, he’ll take care of everybody,” says Gabriel. “When the father’s not in the right place, the rest of it’s not gonna work out.”
Three veteran fatherhood advocates join Gabriel to lead the program:
- Brian Williams from The Caring Communities Partnership, who co-hosted the 2016 national fatherhood conference at the Kauffman Foundation
- Bishop Luther Baker, who runs a young fatherhood program in St. Louis
- Bishop Timmy Lee Hood, who will facilitate the Kansas City sessions as part of Made Men, the nonprofit organizing the conclave
The program welcomes all fathers regardless of age or circumstances. Nelson plans to expand it statewide, with virtual participants already registered from Wichita.
“We’re really trying to be that resource for those men, having them where they can come and talk, be dads, and work together,” says Gabriel.
To register for the Dad’s Conclave, visit bit.ly/DadsConclaveKCK.
