Marcus finds support and ‘family’ with FATHER Project

Marcus came to Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota’s (GESMN) FATHER Project years ago when he first became a father and has been active ever since.

“For me, more than anything, it’s the staff and the feeling of inclusiveness and support that I get at FATHER Project,” Marcus explained his reason for remaining connected to the program for so long. “I’m supported here. It’s more of a family feel. No matter what, I can get the help I need and that’s why I keep coming back.”

FATHER Project provides free resources to parents including parenting groups, advocacy and case management, and career navigation to help parents overcome barriers that prevent them from supporting their children economically and emotionally.

Over the years, FATHER Project has helped Marcus with access to career and job services, certifications, and parenting support groups. He was honored with a “Father of the Year” award for successfully completing program benchmarks.

“We all go through rough patches when trying to hit goals and hearing ‘no,’” Marcus said. “You need people behind you to help and motivate you – not just the classes, but the emotional support, and having my back. [My career navigator] Susan will remind me how much I’m taking on. I’m a perfectionist and she helps me recognize to take a step back.”

“Marcus is one of our most inspiring participants at FATHER Project,” said Susan, his career navigator. “He has taken advantage of every single opportunity and taken our parenting classes multiple times. He’s very dedicated to growing as a dad. He’s an inspiration to other dads. He’s had ups and downs economically and emotionally but persevered to help his children and grow professionally.”

Recently Marcus was connected, through FATHER Project, to the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) where he is taking classes to learn about business management and information technology.

“The NDC gives 40 hours of one-on-one coaching to help with a business plan and has grants and funding to help folks interested in starting a small business,” said Marcus whose goal is to one day open his own restaurant since he has previous experience in restaurant management. “From all my past jobs to the skills I’m learning now, including IT and marketing, there are a lot of transferrable skills.”

Knowing his goals will take time, Marcus got re-certified as a forklift driver with help from GESMN. “You gotta have a backup plan,” Marcus added. “You have to be willing to put in the work. [FATHER Project staff] are there to help and support you but you have to be willing to put in the effort and take the initiative. On the days you don’t feel like it, you need to push through because those are the days when the tide turns in your favor.”

“I’m very proud to be working with Marcus” Susan said. “He’s the best example of a dad.”

GESMN offers nearly 20 career services and training. Learn more and get connected to opportunities by texting JOBS to 71493 or visit www.gesmn.org/learn .