$10 million Grant given to help Struggling Fathers

Mayor Barrett and Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele attended an event at Next Door Foundation for a program that's strengthening families in Milwaukee by building responsible fathers.   

Milwaukee County has one of the only Child Support Organization in the country to receive this federal grant.

The $10 million will go toward the responsible father's project here in the city.

Barrett and Abele announced this grant just before our newscast.

They said this grant is a win for Milwaukee families.

The last few years the responsible father's project has helped many struggling man get back on their feet providing services like job training, helping them recover lost drivers license, and most importantly-- strengthen their relationship with their kids.

"I think we all recognize in our community that there are challenges in the family structure, and many times what happens is when you have a situation is the mother and father do not have a good personal relationship. There may be no relationship at all, but part of the message we're trying to send a fathers is "look you can still play a positive role in your child's life,” said Mayor Tom Barrett.

“There’s no greater joy in my life than being a dad and being involved in my kids’ lives. I want every father to have the opportunity to provide for their children and help them succeed,” Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele said. “In the first three years of our Pathways to Responsible Fatherhood program we have provided assistance to more than 6,000 Milwaukee area fathers, to include job training and employment services for more than 1,100 fathers, with more than 500 of them actually receiving a job placement. The New Pathways for Fathers and Families grant will allow us to empower even more fathers and more families to live a better life.”

“Economic security is a major step on the path toward empowering America’s fathers and families. With this critical federal investment, Milwaukee County will have the tools and resources it needs to build on its successful partnerships with community organizations and address the tough struggles and challenges that many face. I am proud to support Milwaukee County’s efforts to strengthen families and the community so that every child has an opportunity to succeed and reach their dreams,” said U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin.

“I am delighted to see the federal government join us as partners in providing our fathers and families with the capacity to succeed and foster their own economic security," said U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore. "When we work together, we can ensure that Milwaukee's best days are still ahead.”

In the first three years of the program Milwaukee County has provided services for 6000 fathers, and with this funding they hope to help many more.