Jonathan Willis’s Story
Jonathan Willis’s journey to empowering dads began when he heard the news about a job opportunity in Ardmore, Oklahoma, in 2014. However, the move wasn’t easy for him. He had to drive back and forth between home and work, and he didn’t have the means of transportation. He would also send the money he worked for back to his family in Houston. Despite the challenges, Willis’s employer downsized in 2020, and he saw an opportunity to start his own business. He took the severance package and began his own networking company, Real Dads Do Real Things. The foundation was created to empower dads and create stronger families, similar to the statewide program Strong Dads. Strong Dads is a program offered by the Carter County OSU extension office, aimed at improving parenting skills among men. The program teaches skills like accountability and discipline, but attendees also report the brotherhood and camaraderie that comes with it. As one graduate, Brian Davis, said, “With what I was going through, I definitely wanted some brothers around.” Another graduate, Calvin Morgan, added, “All the guys here at the Broadway House, we all come together on that. Even after the class, I’m able to work with them as a strong dad.”
Jonathan Willis joined the program and was quickly offered the instructor position by program coordinator Eric Swenson. Since then, Willis’s goal of creating a better community is coming true. As he said, “A major role that I play is being a dad and that has been a fuel and a driving force for me.” With his new role, Willis is able to make a positive impact on the community, and his passion for empowering dads continues to grow. The Impact of Strong Dads
The Strong Dads program has a significant impact on the community, particularly on dads who are struggling to balance their responsibilities and personal lives. The program provides a safe space for dads to share their experiences, receive support, and learn new skills. The brotherhood and camaraderie that develops among participants is also a crucial aspect of the program’s success. According to Eric Swenson, program coordinator, the Strong Dads program has been a game-changer for many dads. “I’ve seen dads who were struggling to provide for their families become more confident and self-assured,” he said. “I’ve seen dads who were struggling with addiction become sober and start rebuilding their lives.”
The program’s success can be attributed to its holistic approach, which addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of dads. The program provides a range of activities and resources, including counseling, support groups, and mentorship opportunities.
| Program Components | Description |
|---|---|
| counseling | One-on-one counseling sessions with trained therapists |
| support groups | Group sessions where dads can share their experiences and receive support |
| mentorship opportunities | One-on-one mentoring sessions with experienced dads and professionals |
Benefits of the Strong Dads Program
The Strong Dads program offers a range of benefits for dads, including:
- Improved parenting skills
- Increased confidence and self-assurance
- Improved relationships with family members
- Access to resources and support
- Networking opportunities
Jonathan Willis’s Experience as an Instructor
Jonathan Willis joined the Strong Dads program as an instructor and quickly became a valuable asset to the program. His experience as a struggling dad himself made him an ideal candidate to teach the program. As he said, “I immediately put his name forward for the position” said Eric Swenson, program coordinator. Since taking on the instructor role, Willis has been able to make a positive impact on the community. He has seen firsthand the transformative power of the Strong Dads program and has been able to inspire and motivate dads to become better versions of themselves. Jonathan Willis’s story is a testament to the impact that the Strong Dads program can have on dads and their families. His journey from struggling to empower dads has been a journey of self-discovery and growth, and his passion for empowering dads continues to drive him forward.
“With what I was going through, I definitely wanted some brothers around.” – Brian Davis, Strong Dads graduate
As the Strong Dads program continues to grow and expand, it’s clear that its impact will be felt for years to come. With its holistic approach and range of activities and resources, the program is well-positioned to make a positive impact on the community. As Jonathan Willis said, “A major role that I play is being a dad and that has been a fuel and a driving force for me.” With his new role as an instructor, Willis is able to make a positive impact on the community, and his passion for empowering dads continues to grow. Empowering Dads, Empowering Families
The Strong Dads program is not just about empowering dads; it’s also about empowering families. By providing a safe space for dads to share their experiences and receive support, the program is able to create stronger, more resilient families. As Eric Swenson said, “I’ve seen dads who were struggling to provide for their families become more confident and self-assured.” The program’s success can be attributed to its holistic approach, which addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of dads. The Strong Dads program is a testament to the power of community and the impact that can be made when people come together to support one another. By providing a range of activities and resources, the program is able to create a safe space for dads to share their experiences and receive support. As Jonathan Willis said, “A major role that I play is being a dad and that has been a fuel and a driving force for me.” With his new role as an instructor, Willis is able to make a positive impact on the community, and his passion for empowering dads continues to drive him forward. Highlights of the Strong Dads Program
* Holistic approach to addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of dads
* Range of activities and resources, including counseling, support groups, and mentorship opportunities
* Safe space for dads to share their experiences and receive support
* Opportunity for dads to connect with other dads and build relationships
* The Strong Dads program is a statewide program aimed at improving parenting skills among men. * The program provides a safe space for dads to share their experiences and receive support. * The program offers a range of activities and resources, including counseling, support groups, and mentorship opportunities. * The program is holistic in its approach, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of dads. Conclusion
Jonathan Willis’s story is a testament to the impact that the Strong Dads program can have on dads and their families. His journey from struggling to empower dads has been a journey of self-discovery and growth, and his passion for empowering dads continues to drive him forward. As the Strong Dads program continues to grow and expand, it’s clear that its impact will be felt for years to come. With its holistic approach and range of activities and resources, the program is well-positioned to make a positive impact on the community.
