HUNTSVILLE, Ala. —
During this pandemic, so many programs have had to close their doors. But, one local mentoring group is stopping at nothing to stay connected to the young people they serve right here in the valley.
Real Fathers Making a Difference is a non-profit group that reclaims the importance of fatherhood in the lives of young men.
Organizers say, spending this much time at home is tough for parents, but it's had for kids and teens too. So, R. Fathers MAD mentors are there to help them through the adjustment and help with E-learning.
They even have their “MAD Monday” weekly group video calls to stay connected. We’re told, every time the boys get on the calls, their excitement jumps through the screen.
We spoke with L.C. Smith, the Executive Director & Founder of R. Fathers MAD, Inc. Smith tells us, he always gets on to the calls hearing the mentees joking and laughing with one another before sessions start. Smith adds, “We created a brotherhood. Most of these young men probably would have never been friends if it weren’t for R Fathers MAD. But, that’s one thing that we teach is that we all have differences and we should embrace one another.”
Real Fathers Making a Difference even continues to serve during the pandemic, assisting local foster homes and giving weekly dinners to families in need.
But, they need your help to keep their programs going. L.C. Smith mentions the group has been forced to cancel several major fundraisers because of the pandemic, and they're in need of donations and local partnerships.