YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -

Youngstown City Schools began a Fatherhood Initiative with the help of Superintendent Justin Jennings to help dads realize the importance of being in a child's life. 

"The idea was that of the late Reverend Michael K. Write who wanted to bring fathers in the neighborhood and school system together so they understand that being good fathers helps build up their kids and community," said Deymonne Winford. 

 

Winford is Brighton's son, and is a father of three children.

 

Wednesday night at Choffin Career and Tehcnical Center and East High School successful men from Youngstown shared mistakes they made, and the proudest moments of their lives.  

 

They emphasized the importance of teaching children to respect you as a parent and others. 

 

They add without involved fathers, children's lives can be more difficult.

 

"Without fathers there are issues with jobs, not learning job readiness, not being able to do well in education, not being able to focus in classrooms, so it really does help having a father present," Winford said.

 

The dads also emphasized how important it is for fathers to be able to reach out and ask for help from others they respect.

 

"We have great moms, who have been an important part of our lives, but father's bring a whole different perspective, a lot of times the discipline and real life circumstances. We really don't get from moms that especially for youth males and that role model for men as well," Winford said.

 

"The reward of being a dad is seeing a smile on your kids face when they bring home. Just knowing your child has been successful the reward of seeing the smile on their face and the happiness in their hearts knowing you have been a part of their lives," emphasized Winford. 

 

There will be panelists for the next six to seven weeks talking on topics about being a part of their children's lives.

 

Fathers who did not take an active role in their children's lives will talk about the regrets they have and how it also effected their children.

 

There will be information on steps fathers can take to play an active role in their children's lives.  

 

"We will start a dialogue on a fresh start to go forward, how to get involved so you don't have a lot of regret later," Winford said.

 

Reverend Dr. William C. King, Jr., who is from Pittsburgh served as moderator of the event held at Choffin Career and Technical Center in Youngstown.   

 

Dates, locations and times of upcoming events on the importance of father's in their children's lives will be posted on the Youngstown City Schools website after they are set.