Written by: JR Robinson

At a recent Shelby County Commission District 6 Weekly Stakeholders Meeting, Mike Arnold shared exciting updates about AFIRM (A Father's Involvement Really Matters), a community initiative focused on empowering fathers and strengthening families. This program, led by local non-profit Families Matter, is making significant strides in engaging fathers through established community relationships.

AFIRM Program Overview

AFIRM is designed to help low-income fathers between the ages of 18 and 40 provide both financial and emotional support for their children. The program targets fathers who are involved in the child support system and reside in Shelby County. Key features of AFIRM include:

• Career Opportunities: Emphasis on high-paying careers and job placement in target industry sectors
• Skill Development: Upskilling opportunities to enhance participants' existing abilities
• Parenting Support: Fatherhood workshops and coaching to develop healthy parenting skills
• Peer Support: Facilitated peer groups allowing men to connect and share experiences
• Child Support Management: Assistance in understanding and navigating the child support system

Program Goals

AFIRM has three main objectives:

1. Increase economic mobility for low-income fathers
2. Enhance capacity for healthy parenting
3. Improve support for consistent child support payments

Community Impact

Carol Jackson, Executive Director of Family Matters, emphasizes the potential for widespread positive impact: "When a father is not available in their child's life, that creates an insecurity that in so many instances goes unnoticed. What I believe we're seeing on the streets of Memphis today ... is the mere fact that it's not so much that children are misbehaving, it is the fact that they are hurting."

Success Stories

The program has already seen success stories, such as Jessie Davis, a father of seven who credits AFIRM with helping him break generational cycles and become a father his children can be proud of.

Get Involved

For those interested in learning more about AFIRM or getting involved:

• Visit: www.familiesmattermemphis.org/afirm
• Contact Mike Arnold: 901-213-6036

Arnold expressed particular interest in expanding the program's reach within the Raleigh area of District 6, emphasizing the collective effort required to address fatherhood challenges in the community.

AFIRM represents a significant step towards strengthening families in Shelby County, with a focus on empowering fathers to take active roles in their children's lives. #FamiliesMatterMemphis #AFIRMTN