A Boston-based organization – financially supported by the American Heart Association – that helps dads overcome obstacles like jail sentences, addiction issues and financial strains was featured on WCVB Channel 5 this week.
Started by Charles Daniels in 2011, Fathers’ Uplift is Boston’s first outpatient mental health center for fathers and families. The Dorchester-based organization, which aims to be a healer of disconnected dads, was awarded $150,000 last year from the American Heart Association as part of the Social Impact Fund.
This fund enables the Association to invest in local entrepreneurs, small businesses and organizations that are breaking down the social and economic barriers to healthy lives.
The WCVB piece profiled Javan Tooley, a father of two children, who was released from prison last year. Tooley is determined to be a positive influence in his children’s lives, and Fathers’ Uplift is helping him achieve that.
“When I came in it was like arms open, and I’m like, ‘I’m here, I’m struggling, I need to become a better dad,'” Tooley said.
To watch the piece, click here or on the video below.