STARRY recognizes that the landscape of father engagement is dominated by a deficit model that concentrates on the challenge of father absenteeism. STARRY believes that a strength-based approach that seeks to build upon a father’s assets; provides greater opportunity to increase father engagement and more importantly have a positive impact in lives of children. STARRY’s Fatherhood Program utilizes a Father Positive approach.
A Father Positive approach moves beyond being father friendly. Being father friendly means advocating for greater inclusion of fathers. Father Positive embraces what it means to be father friendly and in addition is motivated to change the meta-narrative regarding the role fathers play. Father Positive shapes STARRY’s work with fathers.
STARRY’s Fatherhood Program seeks to be Fresh A.I.R. (Advocacy, Information, and Resources) for fathers and father figures. Fresh A.I.R. is the North Star for the Fatherhood program. We believe that Fresh A.I.R. strengthens Fathers, Families, and Communities. Our desire to create a space that is Father Positive is what makes our program unique.
FATHERHOOD EFFECTS
STARRY’s Fatherhood Program provides services to fathers and male caregivers living in Bell, Coryell, McLennan, and Williamson counties with a child up to 17 years of age. Expectant fathers and male caregivers are also able to access our services.
All services are provided at no cost to the fathers and male caregivers. Thanks to DFPS Prevention and Early Intervention’s STAR Program funding, along with the generosity of our donors, services are provided at no cost to fathers and male caregivers. Insurance and money are never an issue as we serve clients from varying backgrounds and income levels.
Call 254-244-2400 or email fatherhoodinfo@starry.org to learn more about our services.
