Motivation for Joining Fathers’ UpLift: Eric decided to participate in Fathers’ UpLift services to navigate the challenges of being a new father and to address his own childhood trauma. The program offered him the resources and guidance he needed to improve his well-being and become a better father.

Participation and Personal Growth: Eric participated in the Managing the Most Support class for a few months, engaged in therapy, and worked with a life coach. These services helped him develop coping mechanisms and improve his overall mental health. He continues to receive therapy and coaching, meeting with his therapist and coach regularly.

Experience with Fathers’ UpLift: Eric describes his experience with Fathers’ UpLift as eye-opening. The program not only helped him as a father but also as a man and a Black man. His background in human services as a housing case worker complemented his role as an ambassador for Fathers’ UpLift, allowing him to connect with and motivate other fathers.

Personal Strengths and Impact: Eric highlights his personal strengths, such as motivational interviewing and the ability to connect with people facing challenges. He takes pride in the impact he has made on participants he has worked with, sharing a story about a former client who credited Eric for helping him turn his life around. Eric also volunteers with youth programs at his church, facilitating discussions and coaching sports.

Life After Fathers’ UpLift: Eric’s life has changed significantly after participating in Fathers’ UpLift. He has become more humble, less stressed, and better able to manage his emotions through techniques like deep breathing. His family has noticed these positive changes, and he feels proud of the impact he is making on other fathers through his work and volunteering.

Professional Life: Eric works three jobs, with his full-time position being a housing case worker at Father Bill’s. He also volunteers at his church, facilitating a group called “Boy Sement” for teenage boys aged 13-18, where they discuss various aspects of life. Eric enjoys giving back to the youth and coaching sports in his old neighborhood.

Daughter: Eric shares details about his two-year-old daughter, Zylies. He describes her personality as stubborn but sweet, loving people, and very similar to him as a Libra. He expresses his love for her and her love for videos and being read to.

Becoming an Ambassador: Eric wanted to become an ambassador to give back to his community and help others who have experienced similar trauma. He believes Fathers’ UpLift is a strong organization that helps fathers get back on their feet and move forward in a positive direction.

Message to Others: Eric encourages people to contact Fathers’ UpLift and get a coach and clinician to help them on their journey. He emphasizes the organization’s strength and effectiveness in supporting fathers and families.