Our Work in Trenton
James' Story
The importance of a father in a young child's positive development cannot be underestimated. As part of its partnership with Children's Futures, Union Industrial Home (UIH) for Children has created a "Father Center" where men can come for information, support services, and counseling to help them become more fully involved in their children's healthy growth and development. UIH also links fathers to other social service providers through a broad collaborative effort of 25 organizations known as The Trenton Men's Collaborative.
James, 35, is one of many Trenton fathers immeasurably helped by the staff and services offered by the Father Center. "I had just lost my job when I literally walked right past the Father Center's front door," James said. "I walked in and just started asking questions. I explained that I was a single dad and an Army veteran with a 17-year old daughter and a three-year old daughter at home. They were unbelievably patient and helpful. They helped me with job training skills, résumé writing, and even clothes to wear to job interviews."
He is especially proud of the fact that his eldest daughter is about to enter college and, with the help of the Father Center, he's learning how to be an even better father to his three-year old daughter. He's also on track to land a job with the State of New Jersey. "The Father Center has been a blessing for me and my daughters," James added. "I'd recommend it to anyone, but just know that it's not easy...you have to be strong for you and your children."