Options for Families and Youth offers programs providing comprehensive training for Teen fathers and expectant Teen fathers through 24/7 Dads (National Fatherhood Initiative curriculum).  Topics include but are not limited to:

• Handling and Expressing Emotions
  Physical and Mental Health
  Fathering and Family Roles
  Fathering and Culture
  Discipline, Rewards and Punishment
  Expectations and Child Development
  Balancing Work and Family
  Getting Involved with your Children

In addition to teen father classes, the program offers individual consultation and assistance with college enrollment and career planning.  Teen fathers can receive help fillilng out college enrollment paperwork and financial aid forms as well as assistance finding GED program, trade schools and help designing an employment resume.  Program participants work one on one with the Teen Fatherhood Specialist to identify community based resources that will help them and their families.  The program also provides group and family outings.

Teen Father Groups meet at 5131 West 140th Street in Brook Park, Ohio, the Options for Families and Youth office.  Teen Father groups meet bi-weekly on Tuesday evenings form 5:00 t0 8:00 pm.  Classes include free dinner, weekly raffles and video game tournaments.  Upcoming classes scheduled for Tuesdays are:  November 11 and 25; and December 9.

Team for Teen Groups meet at the YMCA Express at 7899 Ridgewood Drive at Parmatown Mall in Parma, Ohio.  Both expectant and parenting teen fathers and mothers aare encouraged to attend.  Group meetings include guest speakers, weekly raffles, crafts and the opportunity to meet and socialize with other teen parents.  Groups are held bi-weekly on Thursday evenings from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  Upcoming classes scheduled for:  November 6 and 20; and December 4 and 18.

Eligibility:  To be eligible for the program, one of the parents much be 20 years old or younger.  Fathers or mother exceeding 20 years old are still eligible if their wife/husband/parenting partner is under the age of 20.

Stephan Hawkins
Options for Families and Youth
5131 West 140th Street
Brook Park, OH 
330.212.4611

shawkins@kent.edu