The impact of a positive father figure is associated with greater emotional security, self-esteem, and even stronger math and verbal skills, but there is no roadmap for being a dad or role model. For five years, Montefiore’s HERO Dads has supported fathers in a welcoming environment that has helped men be more confident parents, providing the tools they need to positively influence their child’s well-being. Now the program is being bolstered by a $6 million United States Department of Health and Human Services grant and a $2 million New York City Department of Youth Community Development grant.

The new funding will enable the University Behavioral Associates team at Montefiore Einstein to hold one-on-one coaching sessions with dads and other father-figures, providing opportunities for private meetings with trained mental health professionals where they can discuss their needs and navigate barriers to connecting with their families. A new trauma-informed support group is also being introduced as part of the 4-week program.

For couples, the program also offers a 12-week cohort designed to strengthen co-parent relationships. Employment and financial coursework are led by Fedcap equipping fathers with the practical tools needed to achieve family and financial stability including job development and placement.

“More than 1,000 participants have benefited from our comprehensive programing, which includes skill development in areas like communication and conflict resolution to help members achieve family and financial success,” said Traci Maynigo, Psy.D., program director, HERO Dads. “And while being a parent can feel incredibly rewarding, it can also be challenging for parents to learn new skills and break patterns of abuse, neglect or trauma.”

HERO: Healthy, Empowered, Resilient and Open

Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults have experienced at least one Adverse Childhood Experience, translating to tens of millions of parents. More than 15 million Americans raising children face clinically significant trauma. Creating an environment where men feel they can trust their peers and staff, are safe from judgment and have choice in the program helps foster engagement and growth.

“Even after completing our program, fathers remain more involved in their children’s lives by offering emotional support, planning activities, and supervising and monitoring them,” said Moshe Moeller, Ph.D., associate program director, HERO Dads. “With our new program offerings focused on emotional safety, trust building, peer connection and financial stability, we can help father-figures feel resilient and more connected to their children.

HERO Dads Saved My Life

“HERO Dads pretty much saved my life. It is a place where I can be vulnerable and learn how to show love and discipline in new ways that help my son as he grows,” said Bronx father, Leon Rosa. “I am a young dad and the opportunity to learn from other dads like me reshaped my thinking in ways I couldn’t have imagined.”

For more information visit https://montefioreeinstein.org/patient-care/hero-dads or text HERO to 646-823-6204.