Reaching Family Goals with Positivity and Support

Jason Tooley-Israel admits he found it difficult being the single parent of two sons, now ages two and five. “Running my own business and being the full-time and only caretaker of my children left me feeling depleted sometimes, and unsure if I was being a good father,” Jason explained. “I knew I still had a lot to learn as a parent and provider.”

There were times when Jason felt overwhelmed. “It could get depressing at times. I was physically, emotionally, and financially exhausted.”

But things quickly changed for Jason when a newsletter at his child’s school published a short story about CDR’s Fatherhood program.

“I knew right away that I wanted to learn more about the program to see if they could offer me some guidance and hope. I knew I needed to be part of a group. I knew I needed support from others,” he said.

After contacting the program, Jason received a home visit from one of CDR’s Fatherhood specialists and soon after began participating in group meetings and workshops.

Jason still meets with his group virtually and attends regular breakfasts with others from the program. The dads help each other troubleshoot parenting situations and navigate work and life challenges.

“The positivity and encouragement I receive from Fatherhood has made a huge impact on me. I realized I was already 95 percent of the way there. But having support and encouragement from the program helped me get to my goal as a father and a provider. It gave me the confidence to focus on my children and to fight for my family.”