Remembering the whole family
Project seeks to include fathers in Social Services
By Jerry W. Kram
There are many programs out there to assist families who need support getting through tough times because of financial struggles, substance abuse, domestic violence and other serious problems. But the way these programs are implemented often leaves out a crucial element, says Albert Pooley.
Fathers.
Pooley is the founder of the Native American Fatherhood and Families Association (NAFFA). He was in New Town with staff from his organization to implement a pilot program to tribal social service programs help serve families better by including fathers in their programs.
“I could see a lot of agencies have good, well intended people working for them,” Pooley said. “But it is very easy to put the emphasis on helping mothers, children and youth and a lot of agencies unfortunately left the father or man out of the equation of family. So we have to bring them back into the family.”
