When Dawn Smith first heard of The Father Center of New Jersey, seven years ago, it was because she needed a job and they were hiring. She found more than a job. She found a place that would reshape her life and how she understood families, fathers and community.
“I got so much more than a job when I came to The Father Center of New Jersey. I got a lifelong lesson in empathy and compassion,” she explains. “I am a single mother. When I came to TFCNJ, I understood the struggles of parenthood from that perspective only. But fathers have struggles, too. Just like us. If I had known about this program—if the men in my life, even my own father, had known about this program—life would have been different for me.”
Over the years, Dawn’s role at The Father Center has evolved from front office assistant to office manager, ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly. Yet what gives her the most satisfaction is knowing that she has made so many participants feel welcomed and supported.
“I love seeing participants become successful,” she continues. “I know everyone by name, by story, I know some of their challenges. They may have no job, or they may be struggling with mental health issues, or are homeless.”
She will listen when someone comes in to share their stories, and will redirect them to the right program or staff member who can help. Working at The Father Center of New Jersey has deepened her empathy for others, something that has enriched her own life.
“During COVID, I was so grateful just to have a job. But a lot of people didn’t have a job for a long time. That’s when I came up with the idea of delivering food baskets to people (to make sure they had food),” she explains. What started out as her own way of giving back has become a tradition at The Father Center of New Jersey—the annual Thanksgiving food basket drive, which Dawn oversees.
Dawn is also instrumental in initiatives like Dress2Impress™, helping coordinate professional clothing from partners like Bonobos, Nordstrom and Polo so that participants feel confident when applying for jobs or starting new opportunities. From revamping spaces to supporting virtual programming, Dawn is always looking for ways to do more.
Dawn Smith is a steady presence, a compassionate listener and a powerful reminder to all of us that when we take the time to understand the perspective and life situation of others, our own lives are enriched.
