By Kathy Gaillard
After watching her brother navigate obstacles to gain custody of his children Natasha Dotson felt his frustration. Angrily, she called the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative’s office to vent. As she shared her own frustration, Dotson was told by then-director, Terence Ray, that the organization could use her passion and fire. Today Dotson is employed as Project Director of the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative (MFI).
In the case of Dotson’s brother who had gotten in trouble with the law and served his time, the mother of his children was not in the picture and he was trying to gain custody of his children who were in the foster care system. He was working two jobs, but ninety percent of his paycheck was taken for back child support so he could not get ahead.
Dotson’s brother’s scenario is a common, circuitous cycle for many of the men involved with the MFI and now Dotson is determined to provide the help, support and resources they need to overcome those barriers.
“I wanted to be part of the change that is needed to help these men. I want our men to know that they have support and help connect them to the resources they need so they can take care of their children,” said Dotson.
Since its inception in 2005, the MFI has connected more than 12,000 Milwaukee men to resources to help them better meet the social, emotional and financial needs of their children and families. MFI services include parenting, child support interest debt relief, driver’s license recovery, employment, education, health, and more. Over 95% of program participants are African American and other males on color. The MFI also hosts an annual Fatherhood Summit which is the largest annual gathering of men in the state.
One of MFI’s most powerful and ongoing initiatives is their involvement with “Real Men, Real Talk,” which is held every third Monday at Gee’s Clippers, located on North Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. Typically, 100 to 150 men show up and have conversations about life, challenges, and encourage each other through information sharing and resources.
“These sessions are life changing. Usually, if it’s not football or basketball, guys are not talking about anything. But, with the help of facilitators like Kwabena Nixon and Richard Badger, and others who has been involved since the beginning of MFI, these guys sit in a circle and have deep and meaningful conversations.
“Along with a few other women, I come at the beginning of these meetings to serve them a meal, then when the conversation starts, we leave so they have a free, safe space to open up and talk with one another,” said Dotson.
The MFI, which started out as a City of Milwaukee initiative, is now under the leadership and direction of Wisconsin Community Services. It also includes a nurturing training class—presented by a master trainer—to inmates in the House of Corrections. The class constitutes as a parenting class which makes participants eligible for child support recovery from the interest owed on child support.
“Hearing the testimonies of guys after they’ve become part of the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative makes this work fulfilling for me. They learn that they are not alone and realize that someone is supporting them. I don’t make a lot of money, but I enjoy helping these men and serving our black and brown communities. They come in feeling so defeated. It feels good for them to know that someone understands what they are going through,” said Dotson.
Dotson’s message to fathers is clear and simple: “Don’t ever give up—ever—no matter how bad the situation is. It may seem hopeless, but it is not. Never give up!”
The MFI and Natasha Dotson certainly don’t plan to give up on the diamonds and gems we call children and fathers.
For more information about the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/milwaukeefatherhoodinitiative/ or call (414) 286-5653.