ROCKFORD — Before Micah Young became a father, he was nursing his heroin habit with money he had scored by selling his father’s fiance’s jewelry.Now, however, Young is six years sober, and he’s raising three kids. Young’s father, who raised Young as a single parent, has become a source of wisdom.”Now that I’m clean, my father and I maintain […]

Nearly half of U.S. children grow up without a father and now one Rockford man is trying to use his experience to better the lives of others. Source: Group of Dads Encouraging Each Other to be Better

By Jim Hagerty Staff Writer A local organization that honors fathers has announced plans to celebrate its community of dads at its first awards banquet. The Fatherhood Encouragement Project and the newly formed Fatherhood Encouragement Network will present the inaugural Fatherhood Awards Banq Source: Fatherhood Encouragement Project announces awards banquet

The Fatherhood Encouragement Project began 1 year ago. They have had the opportunity to grow the program from 3 dads, to serving over 40 every week. The impact this program has had is essential to their every day life. They teach a different parenting style, healthy communication, and how to love your spouse and family. […]

The Fatherhood Encouragement Project aims to recognize fathers who have been a positive force for their family and community. Source: Fatherhood Encouragement Project to hold awards for special dads in the community

When was the last time you laughed really hard? Today, every day at that matter! I love to make people laugh and that usually consists of me laughing at myself a lot haha! How would your best friends describe you? My best friends would describe me as a man of my word, who loves people, […]

Rockford father’s new book focuses on affirmational parenting. This style of parenting causes children to believe what their parents tell them, Petrie said. All Petrie has to do now is ask his 8-year-old son, Brayden, “God created you to be what?” It makes his son think about whether his behavior is that of a winner […]

Dan Petrie, founder of The Fatherhood Encouragement Project, talks about affirmation leadership, the subject of his first book. Source: Dan Petrie, founder of The Fatherhood Encouragement Project, talks about affirmation leadership, the subject of his first book.

ROCKFORD — Sometimes dads get a bum rap.Others may work hard and take care of their families but operate in the background.A new initiative formed by an alliance of agencies and organizations is aiming to change all that. The Fatherhood Encouragement Project is helping to sponsor the first Fatherhood Awards Banquet to celebrate exceptional fathers […]

The giving spirit is kicking off strong here in Rockford. More than 50 volunteers came out Saturday to serve a Thanksgiving feast for the homeless and other people struggling to afford a meal. Source: Thanksgiving meal feeds more than 100 homeless and struggling