Urban Influence Magazine interviewed our founder, Kashaun Cooper, for a feature article in their Summer 2010 issue. Click on the logo above to visit the original article online.
1.) What is the ultimate goal of FathersRock?
The ultimate goal of Fathers Rock is to restore the integrity of the bond between fathers and their children as well as developing them into leaders of their communities. We use a positive seed planting philosophy and character development techniques in our strategy to combat the negative impact of the lack of leadership in fatherless homes and their related communities.
2.) With a high percentage of young black men in the prison system, how does FathersRock plan to sustain making a positive impact in the Black community and maybe even other communities?
FRI is developing programs that will address this issue for all communities, regardless of race, religion, or creed, from many angles. We are in the process of assessing the gaps. So far, we have established that our programs will focus on restoring and strengthen the relationship between the father and his children by assisting the families with transportation for visitation, providing effective rehabilitative re-entry programs for former inmates, and we are working on developing projects that will allow inmates to have an income that will provide some financial support for their families.
3.) What distinguishes FathersRock from other organizations that strive to change the lives of youth?
Fathers Rock is a community driven organization that takes advantage of virtualization in order to identify the gaps in services needed in communities more quickly. This allows us to put programs in place where they are needed most based on feedback from individuals living in those situations. We don’t wait for statistics to be published before we take action. The way that our organization is structured allows us to be agile and respond to the needs of individual communities more quickly.
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