Job Opportunity: We are looking for a man to fill a full-time position. This isn’t just a job, it’s the most important job you’ll ever have. You must be able to handle high stress situations, and demonstrate extreme patience. Your responsibilities will vary day to day, but will require you to direct yourself and role model for others. The work environment will be chaotic and conditions will be unpredictable. This job will be all encompassing, and will demand your dedication 365 days per year.

Welcome to 24:7 Dad.

Ranch Ehrlo Family Reunification Program is providing a bit of “professional development” to fathers in the community with a new 12-week dad’s group. The group, 24:7 Dad, is co-facilitated by fathers with a vision to see men come together and support one another.

“Society really concentrates on the mom, but kids need their fathers,” said Janelle Janzen, co-facilitator and family reunification therapist. "This group is specific to fathers and addresses the issue of fathers not being involved – an issue that we’ve seen in our program and in our community.”

“Men have been devalued in our society, and this is a good way to validate what dad’s are trying to do with their kids,” she continued.

24:7 Dad began as an in-house initiative earlier this year, but will become a free community program in October.

Co-facilitator and single father Monti Whitehawk said 24:7 Dad has helped him become a better and more active father.

“I enjoy being with other dads, and talking to them. It makes me realize that I’m not the only one struggling, and I’m not the only one with problems.”

Monti grew up in a single-parent home and felt the effects of growing up without a father figure.

“I know how much a dad means to a kid. I grew up without my dad and I was in and out of jail. I didn’t have a clue about life until I started raising my boy,” he confessed. “I’ve been doing it for seven years, but I’m still learning how to be a dad.”

The dad’s group is based on the 24:7 Dad curriculum provided by National Fatherhood Initiative. The group provides an open forum for discussion, while teaching fathers important parenting skills.

“There’s a lot of discussion and activities surrounding the curriculum,” said Janelle. “We teach dads how to be dads. We talk about discipline, getting more involved in their children’s lives, men’s health, and the relationships they have with the mother of their children.”

“We all have our own opinions and our own stories,” said Monti. “But we learn from each other.”

Being a father may be a demanding job, but it’s one that is most rewarding.

“It’s important to be in your kid’s lives and this is what 24:7 Dad is all about,” said Monti. “Children need their fathers – they really, really do.

24:7 Dad will be held weekly from Tuesday, Oct. 7^th until Tuesday, Dec. 30^th from 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information or registration, contact Janelle Janzen at 306-520-4582