Developed by the National Fatherhood Initiative®, 24/7 Dad focuses on building the man first and the father second.
What happens when you give men the tools they need to succeed at work, meet their responsibilities as fathers, overcome obstacles and gain the self-confidence, self-awareness and stability they need to thrive in life? They feel good about themselves, and they show up for others.
This is at the very core of everything we do at The Father Center of New Jersey. It’s how we engage fathers and families, and each other. It’s how men become better fathers. Present. Loving. And reliable.
You can see this in action on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7:30 pm, when The Father Center of New Jersey hosts its ongoing 24/7 Dad® parenting class—a virtual class that has become a lifeline for men working to strengthen their relationships with their children. The curriculum is standardized and evidence-based, used statewide and nationwide for many years. But what makes it so unique and transformational at The Father Center of New Jersey is the honesty, vulnerability and courage that fathers bring into the room.
“We know that when a father is present in the child’s life, the child is more stable,” says facilitator Maurice Crump, Program Manager of Operation Fatherhood, The Father Center of New Jersey. There are so many men out there who want to be that guiding force in their children’s life but don’t know how to overcome the obstacles they face, from custody battles and court orders to a lack of employment and even incarceration.
While participation may fluctuate week to week as men secure jobs, resolve court issues and stabilize their lives, the classes never stop. “It doesn’t matter how many men show up, I’m going to be there,” says Maurice. “This group has become a place where men can finally open up, and that is so important.
“You can’t teach someone how to parent. But you can give him the tools he needs to be a better father, and how to manage his anger if he is upset.”
Support often goes beyond the classroom. “When a man comes to me and says, ‘Mr. Maurice, I have a court date. I want to do better for my child. What can I do?’ we let him know we are here for him—without judgment and with confidentiality,” Maurice says. “We listen, guide and connect them to services that can help.” Fathers may receive a suit through the Dress2Impress program for court appearances or be referred to anger management or workforce programs to help stabilize their lives.
These tools matter. As Maurice adds, “When a parent is present in a child’s life—and when there’s less alcoholism, fewer or no drugs in the household, and less chance for jail time—all of these things come together to give a man stability and purpose. That’s how we build stronger fathers and families. And how we help children thrive.”
The results speak for themselves. One father recently gained full custody, secured a strong job and maintained consistent attendance. “He never quit,” Maurice says. “When he brought his children to visit, my hat went off to him.”
Participants say the experience is life-changing:
- “It has propelled me to doing more than complaining and whining. It has made me a better parent.” —Jermaine Moore
- “The class is great for me because it’s therapy in a way. We all get to express our thoughts, how we operate as parents, and learn a lot of interesting facts about parenting.” —Deshawn Forman
- “I found the class to be incredibly transformative. It helped me re-evaluate my relationships and communication with my family.” —Johnny Brito
As one father put it, “This class has been more than an opportunity to learn. It has been a journey of growth, reflection and connection.”
His only suggestion? “Have more classes!”
