When twenty-six year old Anthony came to the Father Center, he was described by staffers as negative and hostile. He was referred to Children's Futures by the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) in order to attend parenting classes. He made it clear he did not want to be there.

Anthony's girlfriend suffered from depression and was HIV-positive. As a result, he took over primary parental responsibilities for their five-month old child as well as his girlfriend's two other children from a previous relationship.

An incident at a doctor's office, where Anthony allegedly struck one of the older children, resulted in the DYFS involvement and ultimate referral to the Father Center.

Through the Father Center, Anthony was referred to the Concerned Pastors of Trenton's program that helps men needing assistance with managing their issues, anger and relationships. His six weeks of counseling and on-going mentoring at the Trenton Men's Collaborative Program paid dividends. Anthony became goal-oriented and began to address his anger issues. Following additional parent education training at the Father Center, he became more adept at helping all three children in their development.

The Father Center also referred his girlfriend to the Children's Futures East Ward Parent/Child Center for assessment. She went to the East Ward Center and received counseling for her depression through the Center's link to Greater Trenton Behavioral HealthCare.

As a result of his training and perseverance, Anthony has become increasingly involved in the lives of all three children. Through the Trenton Men's Collaborative Mentor Program, a service of the Father Center, Anthony also received job readiness skills and is now employed by a major communications company.