Challenges & Solutions –Providing Workforce Development Programming for Fathers

Workshop: Father’s Soaring to New Heights with their Families– Providing Vital Workforce Development Programming
Author: Katrina R. Johnson, EMBA
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Horizon Outreach

Workshop Date & Time: Tuesday, April 8, 2025,⋅ 3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: La Jolla B, Hilton LAX Hotel

Fathers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their families, yet many face unique challenges as they transition from difficult life circumstances such as incarceration, rehabilitation, or homelessness. Recognizing these barriers, Horizon Outreach, under the leadership of Katrina R. Johnson, EMBA, has dedicated itself to empowering fathers through comprehensive workforce development programming. The Horizon Eagle Fatherhood Program exemplifies how passion and purpose can transform lives, equipping fathers with the tools, skills, and support needed to build self-esteem, foster healthier relationships, and secure sustainable employment. With proven success in reducing recidivism and promoting economic self-sufficiency, this program uplifts individual fathers and creates a lasting generational impact, laying the foundation for stronger families and communities.

Inasmuch, employment for the varied demographic of fathers we are honored to serve is important, but also critically essential & a necessity to provide for their families as they transition from prison,  rehabilitation centers, shelters, and/or a plethora of other seasons in their lives. One hundred percent 100% of the men we serve are fathers, so transition of any kind must ABSOLUTELY include and encapsulate sustainable employment so that they can (continue to) provide (legally) for themselves and their children/ families. In doing so, passion meets the purpose for these men as they begin taking advantage of the opportunity to hone in on building self-esteem, self-worth, and a selfless attitude & approach toward their families during the 6-8 week workshops they attend here at our facility. These workshops help fathers build and healthily expand their fathering, parenting, and relationship skills.

One challenge common amongst organizations doing similar fatherhood work is the ongoing development of staff to ensure they are meeting the needs of the community and clientele served.

The better fatherhood practitioners can understand and address the needs of these communities, the more holistically we will be able to assist the fathers who come from them and into our (respective) facilities for the help and guidance they seek. Another challenge while servicing this particular dynamic of fathers is the mental health component- which circles back to the ongoing training and continuous staff development year-round. Incorporating enhanced case management services is critical to the father's success. Case Managers who incorporate solution-focused approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy and other modalities should be hired to properly assess father's needs. Also, the individual service plan should be established with the father to identify strengths and barriers to program participation.

Existing research conducted on fatherhood programs (Source: EEI Local Evaluation 2024) also suggests that fathers who are employed are more likely to live in wealthier neighborhoods, have access to quality education for their children, and be better able to afford childcare services and nutritious foods, all of which can potentially impact health behavior and measures of health status.

Horizon Outreach is thrilled to report that 88 percent (88%) of the fathers who complete the Horizon Eagle Fatherhood Program are gainfully employed with state—and industry-recognized credentials, earning livable wages (or more) that directly contribute to the ebb and flow of our economy (Source: EEI Local Evaluation 2024).

During six-month follow-up interviews conducted by Horizon Eagle Program Fathers case managers, participants self-reported that they obtained employment. This information was also relayed during case management follow-up meetings. Generally, fathers who obtained these licenses have historically reported earning wages as follows: 1. Forklift Operator: $17.50 - $21.50 per hour; overtime potential- $32 per hour 2. TWIC Card Holder working offshore: $25 per hour or more 3. Flagger: $17-$20 as a Flagger working at a construction site. Additionally, Fathers selected for the Commercial Truck Driver's License Training Program can expect earnings of over $100,000 per year to deliver loads via driving an 18-wheeler over the road. Earnings driving locally are favorable as well. The minimum wage for City of Houston employees has been raised to $16.75/hour, with an increase to $17.25 slated for July 2025 and $18.10 in 2026. 14 One father reported securing a job at the City of Houston with an annual salary of $68,000 as a Commercial Truck Driver with fringe benefits. This is considerably more than the City of Houston workers' minimum and max pay slated.

Furthermore, the Horizon Eagle Program shows promise in reducing recidivism among fathers who were previously incarcerated. Horizon Eagle Staff interviewed 216 fathers who previously completed the program over 12 months ago or longer and determined only 16 out of the 216 had recidivated.

In conclusion, agencies should be adept at serving fathers and commit to meeting them where they are. The environment should be father-friendly, and the staff should be positioned to assist the fathers in achieving their goals. Key partnerships with community agencies and employers are the first step towards ensuring a continuous pipeline of job opportunities once the fathers exit the program. The effects are rewarding and vital in building generational wealth and abundance for their families.