By Ronald W. Weathersby
Napoleon Person readily admits that his life had become unmanageable. The 24-year-old Nashville native describes himself as irresponsible and out of control.
“I was in the streets,” said Person in a telephone interview. “I didn’t plan on getting a job or doing right.”
Person did not take fatherhood very seriously either.
“I believed I was there for my kids…I was active with them but I wasn’t a role model and I really wasn’t there for my fiancée. She never knew if I was coming home each night or not.’
As a result of his lifestyle the father of two children was incarcerated and it was during that time that Napoleon decided to change his habits.
“I was incarcerated from July, 2010 until March, 2012 and that broke me from my bad habits.”
After his release Person began attending church at The Living Word International Church and it was Bishop George O. Adebanjo who referred him to the New Life Project (NLP). Napoleon says the program has greatly assisted him in his “transition.”
“Bishop Adebanjo said he believed the program would help me build character,” recalls Person. “I went straight to my computer and filled out the application. They called me back in a couple of days and I started the program in less than a week.”
Person says that NLP gave him information which has helped him become a better person, dad and fiancée.
“At New Life I learned there are people out there, dads out there who want to be fathers and who are bettering themselves,” explained Person. “I learned how to communicate with my kids and with my fiancée. I learned that spending time with my kids was more important than spending money on them.”
Napoleon said the latter lesson was truly instrumental in his personal development because there were times when he neglected his children because he did not have any money. But now, after counseling, he knows better.
“Spending time (with your children) really does help!” He said.
But there are other aspects of the program that have assisted Person.
“I have also learned some basic skills about searching for a job and how to interview for a job. I learned how to dress for an interview and how to sell myself when I get a chance.”
Person says that any young father, whether they are ex-convicts or individuals in the lifestyle he was in or just a young man facing fatherhood can definitely benefit from NLP.
“I would tell a young father that at New Life you are going to hook up with some brothers who have your best interest at heart. If you are serious about changing, you can call them and they will help you any way they can. If you need transportation, they have bus passes. If you need housing they can help. If you need a job they can help. They can help you get on the right track if that’s what you want. You are going meet up with some real good brothers who will guide you and direct you in a positive way.”
Napoleon is now employed and recently received a certificate for completing one of NLP’s Fatherhood Programs. He and his long-time girlfriend Vyonee were engaged last year and will be married on April 5th this year. He has turned his life around. Instead of a bleak future he is looking forward to life as a contributing member of his community as a husband, father and now, a role model.
“They (NLP) definitely helped me.”
For more information about the New Life Project Fatherhood Program call 615-340-8989 or go to http://www.nashville. gov/Health-Department/Family-Youth- and-Infant-Health/New-Life-Fatherhood-Program.aspx