Community Action, Inc. of Rock and Walworth Counties announces that it has received a $2,000 grant from the Stateline Community Foundation, to support the Fatherhood Initiative.

The Fatherhood Initiative provides employment skills training, coaching and mentoring with regard to employment access, employment placement and ongoing coaching to support employment retention. The program also provides education regarding parenting skills, healthy life choices and maintaining positive relationships. Other training activities focus on financial management including establishing or improving credit, developing relationships with traditional lenders, and budgeting.

Participants spend 12 weeks engaged in training. Programming includes work ethics, attitudes, team building, the application and interview process and other aspects of employment. During this phase ongoing evaluation of participant job readiness, employment skills and interests are conducted. The program is not mandated, fathers participate by choice. Dads engage in community service projects as they strive to become productive citizens and a positive role model for their children.

– In 2013, 50 participants enrolled in the Fatherhood Initiative program.
– 36 of those 50 (72%) completed the program.
– 32 of the 36 that completed the program (88%) obtained initial employment.
– 24 of the 32 (75%) stayed employed for 90 days.
– 17 of the 24 (70%) stayed employed for 6 months.

This grant is made available from the Stateline Community Foundation Needs Grant. The purpose and goals of Stateline Community Foundation’s Community Needs Grant Program is to provide financial support to the programs and services of charitable organizations that enhance the quality of life in the Stateline area. For more information about the Stateline Community Foundation, please call 608-362-4228, or visit the website at www.statelinecf.com. The Stateline Community Foundation serves the Stateline area including: Beloit, Brodhead, Clinton, Orfordville, Rockton, Roscoe and South Beloit.