Wing's receives grant to expand Father's Resource Program

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Single dads are one of the fastest-growing segments of Minnesota’s population.

By 2030, the number of single-father households is expected to climb 55 percent- from 6 percent of all households counted in

the 2000 census to nearly 10 percent, according to state projections.

Locally, an organization that supports single fathers called

Wing’s Family Supportive Services (WFSS) recently received a two-year grant totaling about $65,000.

The group is now in the process of raising matching funds required to secure the grant.

WFSS touts its belief that it is a child’s right to have a relationship with both parents and strives to foster positive parenting techniques with parents that will allow children a healthy and secure childhood.

The WFSS board of directors and staff have started planning several major fundraising events for the upcoming year in Pope and Douglas Counties, including a Belgian Waffle Brunch at the New Life Christian Church (Highway 27 east of Alexandria) this Saturday, March 27 from 8 a.m. to noon.

The Father’s Resource Program primary goals include:

Assessing the individual needs of each father for referrals and information, including handouts on parenting, discipline, child development, conflict resolution, etc.

Providing one-on-one supportive services to fathers that may be experiencing difficulties surrounding parenting issues.

Providing legal support and advocacy with visitation issues to non-custodial dads, whether it’s through a divorce, separation, or estranged relationship.

Providing mentoring to young dads as they grow out of their teen years into young adults.

Establishing opportunities for all fathers to improve their parenting skills through education and role modeling.

Research has found that children that have active and involved fathers in their lives are more successful in school and less likely to drop out, are more self-confident with their respective male or female identities, are less susceptible to peer pressure, and less likely to get in trouble with the law, according to WFSS.

In addition to the Wing’s Father’s Resource program, Wing’s Family Supportive Services also has a transitional housing program for single mothers, PLUS Kids Visitation Center and other child and youth services available to parents and children of the area who are in need of services.

For additional information on Wing’s programs and/or services, visit the website at www.WingsFamilyServices.com, contact the office located at 1417 Broadway Street, Alexandria, MN 56308, or phone (320) 763-6638.

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