By Ronald W. Weathersby
The New Life Program (NLP) – “A Place Where Fathers Matter,” is an initiative of the Metro Public Health Department of Nashville/Davidson County. NLP gives Nashville’s fathers the knowledge, skills, and support they need to become more positively involved in the lives of their children. The program’s ultimate goal is to maximize the health and well-being of our city’s families.
NLP has been in existence for three years and sponsors several courses that assist area fathers says Program Coordinator, Paxton Montgomery.
“We get fathers from all walks of life including referrals from Juvenile Court, advertisements and outreach efforts at area events,” explained Montgomery. “Individuals who are interested in our program are always welcome and should call our office at 615-340-8989 for more information.”
Eighteen individuals recently completed the Fatherhood Development Program which consisted of courses in economic stability, responsible parenting and economic stability. After successfully completing the program each participant graduates with a certificate.
“We talk to the men about such things as job readiness and becoming a good father,” said Montgomery. “We want to let people in the city to know there are resources here to assist men to become better fathers.”
According to the Metro Public Health Department, there are approximately 23,000 households led by single mothers with children under the age of 18. Most of these homes are in North and East Nashville, and nearly half (49 percent) of these single mothers live below the poverty line. Based on the National Fatherhood Initiative Report on the cost of father absence, Nashville spends approximately $830 million on social service programs supporting father-absent households.
The NLP provides Nashville with an opportunity to reduce these numbers. The New Life Program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families.
Another program NLP offers is “Boot Camp for New Dads.” The program is a free community education program for new and expecting fathers in Davidson County. With instruction provided by current fathers, Boot Camp enables new dads to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to meet the tremendous challenge of being a “father” from the moment their new child arrives.
Boot Camp meets every 4th Sunday from 89 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Vanderbilt Health 100 Oaks, 719 Thompson Lane, Nashville and every 1st Thursday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Nashville General Hospital at Meharry, 1818 Albion St, Nashville.
Discussion topics in the program include “Forming a New Family”, “The Changing Role of Fathers”, and “Helping Mom with Breast Feeding.” Additionally, there are hands-on opportunities for dads to practice baby care skills under the guidance of veteran dads and “Fatherhood 101 Advice Sessions” where rookie dads can seek the counsel of veteran fathers.