6/16/2006
Media Contact:
Cherrish S. Pryor
(317)327-4245 |
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Councilman Gibson Joins Organization in Celebrating the Importance of Fatherhood
Indianapolis - Councilman Ron Gibson will join Fathers & Families Resources/Research Center, Inc. as they recognize fathers from our community who epitomize the meaning of fatherhood.
"With the rash of crime involving young people, it's important that we uplift the significance of fatherhood in our city," said Councilman Gibson. "More involved and nurturing fathers equate to less crime and more successful communities in Indianapolis," he said.
The Second Annual Faces of Fatherhood Luncheon will be held at noon on Friday, June 16, 2006 at the Madame C.J. Walker Theatre Center.
Fathers and Families Resources/Research Center provides young men (up to age 27) with a second chance to better their lives and the lives of their children. The organization improves the health of the community by helping young men become self-sufficient and involved parents, such as Jason Thomas, who will be the keynote speaker at the luncheon.
Jason Thomas was on the streets selling drugs in two cities by the time he turned 14. By the age of 17, he knew several people who had lost their lives in the drug trade. With a son on the way, Thomas tried to get out of the streets. In 2002, he completed the Fatherhood Development Workshop at the Fathers and Families Center, had been employed for six months and was preparing for his GED.
Thomas went back into the streets after witnessing his brother's death, and the time he spent with his son decreased. But two years later, the death of his closest friend made Thomas think about the value of life and how important it was for him to be around for his son.
"It stops here," Thomas exclaimed. He got out of the streets and immediately turned to education and obtained his GED in 2005. Currently, he is studying Architectural Design and is a work-study student at Ivy Tech. He now plays a more involved role in the lives of his children and even has study sessions with his oldest son.
"Being in the streets did not give me the relationship that I have with my sons now," Thomas said.
Councilman Gibson currently serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the board of directors for Fathers and Families Resources/Research Center, Inc.
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