Two years ago Isaac Atenico and his girlfriend, Raenna, began ditching school together leading to their expulsion and then they discovered they were pregnant.

“I wasn’t doing anything with my life, but that quickly changed - for both of us.”

As teen mothers enroll and attend the Florence Crittenton School they learn about the other services Parent Pathways offers, including those available to young fathers. We know the importance positive male influences have on raising a healthy family. Through our Young Father Services we provide guidance and assist these young men to learn positive parenting skills. We also encourage our young fathers to complete high school or obtain their GED certification.

Isaac joined Raenna while she registered for school.

“Tim (Young Fathers Specialist) introduced himself and we talked about the program.” Isaac said, “I have been meeting with him for a month now, sometimes we meet alone and other times I come to a parenting class with some other guys.”

In the parenting classes these young fathers also talk about what the mothers of their children are going through, how their bodies are changing and what to expect.

“It’s nice to know there is always someone there for me to talk to and fall back on when I need the support” said Isaac.

Isaac needed a lot of support in his education and he has struggled with math and reading. “Now I talk with my teachers and they know what I am having problems with. I am starting to understand better and quicker.”

Isaac stated, “I was just going to stop going to school and just get a job.”

We often hear this from young fathers. Their first instinct is to try to figure out how they are going to pay for their child. Isaac learned quickly that you cannot get a reliable job without an education.

“School wasn’t important to me at all – now it really is because you can’t even get a job without it.” Isaac continued, “After I complete my GED, I am going to get started in some training classes for my career.”

Top of Page
Meet Our Friends Page