By Ronald W. Weathersby
Thirty year old Tarrick Sands entered the New Life Project (NLP) Fatherhood Program on the advice of his parole officer last summer. The Antioch High School graduate had been incarcerated for nearly three years on two different occasions. In between the two stints his son, Eli now 4 years old was born.
“I was at a park at a back to school program and I picked up a brochure and after reading it I applied for the program,” the Macon, Ga. native said in a telephone interview. “It helped me a lot. I am more patient in my relationships now.”
Sands says that he did not know about Eli’s birth. “I didn’t know I had a child until he was 2 years old.”
He explained that he had “issues” with the fact that he was unaware of his son’s birth. “Everyday I’m improving. The program taught me to stick it out and not beat myself up. I had to learn that it wasn’t my fault that I did not know about Eli.”
Tarrick has no relationship with Eli’s mother who he says lives in Nashville but does not know where. Currently she has no dealings with her son and Eli is now living with Tarrick and his family. His mother has legal custody of him which was granted by the court during his second stretch in jail. Sands believes the time Eli spent with his mother has negatively affected the child.
“Eli has anger issues. He throws tantrums for what seems to be anything. The program taught me how to understand what he has been through and gave me a list of programs that can assist him.”
Since he has completed the program Sands says that he has learned how to better communicate with his son and his relationship is getting better. He is also better prepared for the job market.
“The program has helped me make myself more presentable. I learned how to prepare a resume and how to interview. They also gave me a list of jobs leads.”
Although he found a job on his own, Sands says he is currently looking for better employment.
The Fatherhood program has been a tremendous experience for him. “I would recommend the program to everybody. The focus is a great idea and is extremely beneficial. Every session is an enrichment experience.”
Besides giving him the tools to move forward in a positive way Sands says the Fatherhood Program has helped him prioritize his life while making the correct adjustments as events dictate.
“With Eli I didn’t know what to do but I was determined to be part of the solution and not the problem. I learned so much about how to cope with the stresses of raising a child and dealing with life.”
He also said that although he has completed the program he knows the people at NLP are still there in his corner. “I can talk to them even though I am no longer enrolled. I feel that I have a personal relationship with the staff. In fact, I feel they are always there for me if I need them.
Through parenting education, relationship building, life skills training, employment and educational resources, risk reduction case management, economic stability support and mentoring NLP encourages successful fatherhood in an effort to maximize the physical, emotional and academic well-being of their children. The project is currently piloted in North and East Nashville.
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
Photo By: Paxton Montgomery