December, 2011

We thank LA County Probation for affording us the opportunity to share Christmas with the detained teen fathers and their children.  CEF gave gifts to the (often-forgotten) detained teen fathers.  They were excited as they ate snacks and the CEF facilitators, James and Dwayne, assisted the young fathers in wrapping toys for their children.  This was a first for the teen fathers, adding to the list of things they’ve learned about what fathers do to stay connected to their children--even while away.  All fathers in CEF’s Fatherhood classes received books and/or composition books to further encourage them and write their children.

TESTIMONIAL FROM A TEEN DAD:  “This class and what you tell us about planning to make change, started me to planning while I am here.  This is what I am doing.  I make notes after each class at night.”  J

November 23, 2011

The teen fathers were excited about the delicious Thanksgiving dinner with table decorations reminiscent, for some, of their own family dinners of years past.  But this year, Thanksgiving was spent with newly-acquired acquaintances, other detained youths and juvenile hall staff.  The staff at CEF decorated and provided a complete thanksgiving dinner for the young fathers.  So why was it necessary for James, Fatherhood facilitator, to remind the boys to eat?  CEF invited a special, surprise guest to share Thanksgiving with the boys.  Robert Diggs, better known as "RZA", Grammy-winner, music producer, screenwriter and movie director; author, hip-hop artist and leader of the Wu-Tang Clan, ate with the boys while sharing his struggles and accomplishments in a world not so different than their own.  He reported that his most proud accomplishment is that of being a father and husband. He listened to and autographed the teens’ poems written to their children. The young fathers expressed their appreciation for the best Thanksgiving they had away from home—for others, the best Thanksgiving ever.  By the end of the evening, they were all encouraged, inspired and committed to be better fathers.  They reiterated their motto, “Fathers First”—above gang, peer and other affiliations.

TESTIMONIAL FROM A TEEN DAD:  "I was surprised that he [RZA] would come to see us at juvenile hall.  I remember what he said to us.  I wrote down what he said about not letting your child’s youth pass me by. It was real good.”