Fathers Making Progress helps strengthen family bonds

MILWAUKEE — Fathers Making Progress (FMP) is an organization in Milwaukee dedicated to strengthening family bonds by creating spaces of learning, support and growth for fathers.

The nonprofit was started 17 years ago by Terron Edwards, who firmly believes that strong fathers create strong families, which in turn create strong communities.

“All I knew was, I had the clear vision of I was not going to leave my children the way my father left me,” said Edwards, whose father was murdered when he was a child.

When Edwards first became a father as a teenager, he said he witnessed some barriers and challenges Black men often experience when it comes to parenting. He knew there was a need for a network of education and support, so he set out to build one. Together, the group explores ways to end negative cycles and build positive new ones.

“A lot of what we do at FMP, in addition to writing some of the most awesome bond programs that I’ve ever seen, is, we create opportunities for the dads in this community to have a voice, to have a real voice,” said Edwards.

Spectrum News attended one of the classes Edwards offers for young men, called Fathers Building Fathers. It’s a 12-week course to learn best practice parenting techniques and be part of a supportive circle to help each other achieve goals.

He wants everyone to know you don’t have to be a biological father to attend. 

“You know, men, whether they’ve fathered children or not, you know, it’s like you may have stepchildren, you may have nephews, you may be a community dad, you may be a coach. It’s just really, really important for us to pour into those who are pouring into others,” said Edwards.

Jordan Libsay joined the group because he wanted to be part of a network of strong men, positive role models and camaraderie.

“Because I know it will help me become the person I need to be. You know, to be the man I need to be for my kids as well,” said Libsay. “I feel like, everybody needs a father figure, you know, a role model, someone to look up to, that makes you a greater person. So, you start doing the same thing and spread positivity.”

FMP also offers a course on successful co-parenting and partners with local schools to offer its Boys 2 Leaders intergenerational mentorship program. To learn more, click here.