SAN ANTONIO – A nonprofit is teaching men how to be fathers to shape and guide children to become model citizens in their community.
Martin Henderson, executive director of Fatherhood Matters, Inc., believes real change can be made if fathers step into their role to guide their children.
"The common denominator for a lot of these youths that are deceased or incarcerated (is) they have no dad," Henderson said.
Henderson said the organization provides help to fathers who may be struggling.
"We have support groups every other Tuesday where men can just come and vent and just share their frustration. We also have a lawyer that we work with them, so all you men (who) have custody issues, child support issues, contact us so we can help you through this issue.”
The East Side accounted for seven shootings in 72 hours just last week. The victims in most of the crimes were young men.
Through his work in the community, Henderson has formed relationships with the same men involved with the violence. One of those men 19-year-old John Burton.
Burton was shot and killed this week and was hoping to turn his life around.
"So much promise, so much potential. The little time that I was able to work with him and know him, he was a happy young man. Just like all of these individuals that have violent tendencies, when you really sit down with them one on one, they’re really good young men, just no guidance," Henderson said.
Henderson knows it's not easy but believes it's a God-given reasonability for fathers to do their best.
"Children don't come with an instruction manual. People do what they feel is best,” Henderson said. “I've dropped the ball. I haven't been the best at relationships. I haven't been the best at a lot of things, but one thing my children can say is that their dad has constantly been there.”
Anyone who would like to learn more about Fatherhood Matters, Inc. can visit its Facebook page or call Martin Henderson at 1-866-785-8911.
