Atlantic City’s Fatherhood Initiative Creates Space for Men to Connect and Grow

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Real men show up.

That message is at the heart of Atlantic City’s Fathers Taking Initiative program designed to help men strengthen their relationships with their children, support one another and build stronger families and communities.

Organized by the City of Atlantic City’s ONE Neighborhood Evolution Anti-Violence Division, the initiative brings together fathers from across Atlantic City every Wednesday at the Carnegie Building. Open to every father, the program provides a welcoming and supportive environment where men can share experiences, learn from one another and explore practical ways to become more engaged and effective parents.

The weekly gatherings are designed to encourage honest conversations, personal growth and brotherhood. Each session begins with participants reflecting on their previous week and sharing how things have been going in their lives. The group then moves into the topic of the week, exploring issues related to fatherhood and family relationships through group discussion and personal reflection. Sessions conclude with a meal together, giving participants additional time to connect.

Mayor Marty Small Sr. recently joined the group for a session focused on communication with children, mutual respect in parenting relationships and the importance of working together to provide children with a supportive and consistent environment.

The discussion explored several important aspects of healthy parenting, including effective communication, active listening, co-parenting strategies, mutual respect and presenting a united front when raising children. Participants had the opportunity to consider how their words, actions and relationships with their children's other parent can influence the environment in which their children grow and develop.

Fathers Taking Initiative meets Wednesdays at the Carnegie Center, 35 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Atlantic City. The program is open to all fathers. Weekly sessions start around 5 p.m.

Fathers interested in participating or learning more can contact (640) 245-3258.

‍