Metro Action hosts workshop for fathers with children in the Head Start program

SOUTH NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Families in Head Start programs get access to free, quality child care. But very often there are no programs tailored just for the parents.

The Metro Action Commission’s Head Start program is different in this regard. In fact, there is a unique program just for fathers.

The Father II Father group supports fathers with children who attend free preschool and prekindergarten classes. Nashville’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve nearly 1,500 children, so many fathers can be supported.

On Thursday, Metro Action hosted the first Legacy and Wellness Conference. In addition to interactive workshops, they offered immediate assistance with jobs, resources, food and more.

“We provide information on buying a home and starting a business. We have employers here who are filling higher paying positions. There is also a clerk’s office here in case there is a background issue that is a barrier to employment,” explained Lisa McCrady Beverly, Metro Action’s communications and engagement director.

In the video player above you can see the nonprofits and companies that set up booths and provided information.

Trayce Talley is the proud father of a 4-year-old and a 9-year-old girl. His family participates in the Metro Action Commission’s Head Start program. He wants to be an even better father.

“Right now I’m trying to build my credit and open my business – I want to start a nonprofit,” Talley said. “I’m ready to do all that.”

According to the Census Bureau, nearly one in four children does not have a father figure at home. Studies show that an absent father affects all aspects of a child’s life.

“This is the result of what the fathers said they wanted… what they wanted for their families and what they wanted for themselves,” McCrady Beverly said.

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