Upstate Fatherhood Coalition

The Upstate Fatherhood Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the involvement of fathers in their children's lives across several counties in South Carolina, including Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenwood, Greenville, Laurens, Oconee, Pickens, and Spartanburg. It operates under the umbrella of the SC Center for Fathers and Families, making it a part of a larger network focused on supporting families through father engagement.

History

The coalition was formed as a result of the merger between community partnerships in Greenville and Spartanburg counties. The initiative began in 1998, with funding support from the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina in 1999. By 2000, both Greenville and Spartanburg had established community partnerships, with Greenville initially operating under the Phillis Wheatley association and Spartanburg under the Salvation Army. The programs grew and flourished, leading to the establishment of a standalone 501(c)3 by 2002, which eventually merged to form the Upstate Fatherhood Coalition[2].

Mission and Programs

The coalition's primary mission is to support fathers, helping them become better involved in their children's lives. It offers a range of services designed to empower fathers, including education on parenting skills, employment assistance, and support in navigating the child support and court systems[1][5]. The organization emphasizes the importance of father involvement and addresses common barriers faced by fathers, such as financial instability and lack of legal rights, particularly for unmarried fathers[3].

One of the notable programs is the Responsible Fathers/Parenting Program, which, with cooperation from the family court system, allows participating fathers to avoid incarceration for past-due child support payments, provided they complete a curriculum focused on parenting, relationship skills, men's health, and financial management[3].

Impact

The Upstate Fatherhood Coalition has seen positive impacts through reunions between fathers and their children. Its programs are designed to foster stronger relationships between fathers and their families, helping to mitigate the effects of father absence in the community[3]. The organization relies on support from foundations like the Sisters of Charity, as well as local donations, to sustain its activities[3].