For 25 years, the Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia has worked to empower fathers regardless of their situation.
“We are there for stronger families; That’s what it’s all about,” said Chris Beach, executive director of the Fatherhood Foundation. “Dads play an important role in the community; We must ensure that we give men the same opportunities that we give women.”
William Shepperson has about two more weeks of training to become a 24/7 dad facilitator for the Fatherhood Foundation. “Taking this class really solidified the fact that I was doing everything I could to try to reestablish and revitalize that relationship with my son,” he said. “It’s more than an honor to be able to spread that message to other guys.”
Margo Wagner; DISPATCH TIMES
One parent who has benefited from the nonprofit foundation is William Shepperson of Richmond. He enrolled in the foundation’s 24/7 Dad program to help rebuild his relationship with his family.
Shepperson, 42, was separated from his wife, who lives in Texas with their 11-year-old son. He visited his son frequently, but Shepperson developed substance abuse problems that jeopardized their custody agreement.
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“My drinking became a little excessive and things in my life became a little unmanageable and compromised, so I took it upon myself to go seek treatment and regain custody of my son,” Shepperson said. “This class offered there was just the icing on the cake.”
William Shepperson said the most important thing he learned from 24/7 Dad was the importance of his relationship with his child’s mother and how that can influence his son. “What my son sees and what he hears could even affect his children in the future,” Shepperson said.
Margo Wagner; DISPATCH TIMES
Shepperson entered a 12-step rehabilitation center and progressed to the point where he became a mentor at the center.
Although Shepperson was unable to communicate with his son during recovery, he said their relationship has been incredible since they reconnected.
“It’s almost like we haven’t missed a beat,” Shepperson said. “When I talked to him, we were both excited. He cried a little, but the level of understanding from him was just inspiring.”
For the 24/7 Dad program, fathers learn about managing relationships, maintaining work-life balance, disciplining children, managing stress, and other aspects of family life. that occur frequently.
Shepperson said the program was a good, safe place to talk to other parents. She said the most important thing she learned was the importance of her relationship with her child’s mother and how that can influence her child.
“What my son sees and what he hears could even affect his children in the future,” Shepperson said. “What he thinks is right and what he sees is passed on to the next generation. It has been one of the most important things I have learned in that course.”
Although Shepperson is not in the home, he maintains a co-parenting relationship with the mother of his child. Shepperson wants to make sure her son doesn’t blame anyone and instead sees a healthy working dynamic between both parents.
“It’s important that I establish that we’re fine, that we’re okay, that I don’t have any kind of resentment,” he said. “It just makes the whole relationship better. The whole triangle, the mom, dad and son thing, moves more fluidly.”
William Shepperson, left, seen here with Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia Executive Director Chris Beach, is training to become a 24/7 dad facilitator at the foundation.
Margo Wagner, Times-Dispatch
Another benefit Shepperson gained from talking to other parents was learning their unique stories. Shepperson himself had different perspectives to share; He had a daughter at the age of 19 from a previous relationship, but it is true that he was absent from the house.
“I wasn’t in the house much,” he said. “I had a great relationship with her mother, but I was younger and my ideas about parenting were very different.”
Shepperson said he has a good relationship with his daughter, who is now 23 and has a daughter of her own in Georgia. Another thing Shepperson and other parents work on together is overcoming their parenting and relationship regrets.
“That’s your stuff, that’s something you’re holding on to,” Shepperson said. “You have that safe place to vent these insecurities and these doubts that we could still continue our new relationships with our other children and grandchildren.”
A spin-off version of 24/7 Dad is Inside/Out Dad, where the same concepts are taught to men in prison.
For new fathers, New Dad 101 classes include conversations about caring for crying babies, working on a limited sleep schedule, financing a growing family, dealing with in-laws, and other topics. The program allows dads to meet and ask questions without judgment.
Chris Beach is the executive director of the Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia, which partners with area hospitals and nonprofits to provide New Dad Basics classes for free. “We want to make sure there are no obstacles that prevent a man from being a stronger father,” Beach said.
Margo Wagner; DISPATCH TIMES
“If you get a group of men in a room and one person asks a question, you think, ‘I have the same kind of question,’” Beach said. “The next guy comes along: He asks the same question, he asks different questions, and all of a sudden it’s a safe space for kids to ask those questions and get answers.”
The Fatherhood Foundation partners with area hospitals and nonprofits to provide those classes for free.
“We want to make sure there are no obstacles that prevent a man from being a stronger father,” Beach said.
The foundation also offers relationship counseling. While other relationship classes can cost hundreds of dollars, the foundation offers them for $25.
Offerings include premarital counseling, marriage counseling for couples who want to strengthen their marriage or who are going through a rough patch, and relationship counseling for couples who are no longer together but still want to maintain a working relationship.
For Shepperson, his journey is close to coming full circle. He is currently training to become a 24/7 dad facilitator at the Fatherhood Foundation and will finish in about two weeks.
“Taking this class really solidified the fact that I was doing everything I could to try to reestablish and revitalize that relationship with my son,” Shepperson said. “It’s more than an honor to be able to spread that message to other guys.”
10 thoughtful gifts for Father’s Day with two-day shipping
3. Pickleball game
This set of four pickleball paddles and balls is a great choice for active dads. It gives you a chance to catch up with friends while playing and makes it a fun family activity.
Buy it here: Pickleball Paddle Set from Glarollirace Store, $36
4. Lumbar support pillow
If your dad works from a desk all day or drives a lot, this lumbar support pillow is the perfect way to thank him for supporting you. The ergonomic memory foam pillow relieves upper, middle and lower back pain and is currently available with overnight shipping on Amazon.
Buy it here: QUTOOL Lumbar Support Pillow, $29
5. Kodak film camera
Does your dad always take pictures at family events? This Kodak Ektar H35 film camera is the perfect gift to make every shot special.
Buy it here: Kodak Ektar H35 with 35mm film, $60
6. Go Sports Hardwood Bocce Ball Set
Bocce ball is a great summer activity and this premium hardwood game is easy to use. The lightweight balls are good for beginners, so your dad can play the bocce game at every family gathering.
Buy it here: Go Sports Hardwood Bocce Set, $50
8. Adjustable Baseball Cap
This breathable baseball cap from Under Armor is perfect for protecting yourself from the sun during the summer. The adjustable strap closure makes it ideal for all dads.
Buy it here: Under Armor Iso-chill Adjustable Cap, $28
9. S’mores Roasting Kit
Pack this s’mores roasting kit with some marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers for a sweet Father’s Day treat. The 5-pack of telescoping roasting rods extends up to 32 inches.
Buy it here: MalloMe Smores Campfire Sticks, $8
10. Memory diary
This Dad Stories journal is beautifully designed with thoughtful prompts asking your dad about his childhood, school years, and early adulthood. This gift will not only help you get to know your dad better, but it will also be a treasured family keepsake.
Buy it here: Dad’s Story: A Journal of Memories and Memories for My Family $20
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