The Father Center of New Jersey and the City of Trenton Office of Returning Citizens Announce New Partnership to Empower Returning Citizens with Financial Literacy
TRENTON, N.J., August 21, 2024—The Father Center of New Jersey (TFCNJ) and the City of Trenton’s Office of Returning Citizens (ORC) are pleased to announce a new partnership whose mission is to provide financial literacy education to citizens returning from incarceration. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 22, 2024, will create opportunities for returning citizens to gain the skills necessary to achieve self-sufficiency and long-term success.
“The City of Trenton is committed to improving the quality of life for returning citizens, and this partnership moves that forward in a tangible way by providing training and employment opportunities,” says Trenton Mayor Reed W. Reed Gusciora.
“Our goals are perfectly aligned with those of The Father Center of New Jersey,” adds Janet Porter, MSW, Social Work Supervisor, City of Trenton. Together, The Father Center of New Jersey and the City of Trenton ORC will deliver a total of 12 financial literacy seminars before the end of the year.
The intended audience will be individuals returning from incarceration within one to three years, as well as other residents with justice-involved backgrounds. The seminars, which will run until December 31, 2024, are designed to address the unique financial challenges faced by this population and provide them with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions.
The Father Center will organize and lead the seminars in suitable locations, recruit eligible participants and accept eligible referrals from the ORC. “We will also link eligible participants to the ORC’s broader reentry services through a collaborative intake process,” says Bryan Evans, CEO, The Father Center of New Jersey. “We offer valuable training and resources to returning citizens, but we also need to ensure that our curriculum is accessible. This partnership brings it all together.”
The Office of Returning Citizens will circulate flyers provided by The Father Center of New Jersey in the community and offer the Financial Literacy Seminars to individuals registered with our office.
“This partnership represents a significant step toward empowering individuals with the financial knowledge they need to rebuild their lives and build stronger families and communities,” adds Evans.
For more information, contact Marc Warren, [email protected].
William “Bill" Davis of The Father Center of New Jersey to Speak at Building Bridges International Conference
William “Bill” Davis, Client Service Specialist at The Father Center of New Jersey and a Certified Anger Management Specialist, has been selected to speak at the 26th Annual Building Bridges International Families and Fathers Conference. The event will take place from April 8-11, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
Mr. Davis will lead a workshop titled “Healing Generations: Addressing Intergenerational Trauma among African American Fathers.” This session will explore the impact of historical and intergenerational trauma on African American fathers, discussing manifestations of trauma and strategies to mitigate its effects to promote resilience and healing within this community. “The effects of intergenerational trauma require dedicated attention, and our workshop will focus on defining, exploring, and addressing these issues to support African American fatherhood,” says Davis.
The 26th International Families and Fathers Conference, led by Fathers and Families Coalition of America, is a unique global networking and knowledge exchange platform that offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with professionals and experts in the field, making it a must-attend event for anyone interested in family and fatherhood issues. “We’re thrilled that Mr. Davis will lead this critically important workshop in front of a global audience,” says Bryan Evans, CEO of The Father Center of New Jersey. “He has significantly advanced our thinking and approach around trauma-informed care, incorporating culturally sensitive therapy and counseling techniques tailored specifically to the needs of underserved men and fathers.” The conference, which attracted over 500 participants last year, aims to enhance its offerings in 2025 with engaging sessions and dynamic speakers. Click here for registration information.
The Father Center of New Jersey to Host Father Family Fun Day and the 19th Annual Platinum Dads Awards
As Father’s Day approaches, The Father Center of New Jersey is thrilled to announce its annual celebration of extraordinary dads at the Father Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 1, from 10 am to 2 pm. Taking place at We Make (109 Route 31 North, Pennington), this event promises a day filled with family-friendly activities, including games, group dancing, a moon bounce, refreshments and, most importantly, inspiration.
The highlight of the day will be the recognition of The Father Center of New Jersey’s 2024 Platinum Dads. These outstanding individuals are all exemplary men and role models both at home and in their communities.
Mercer County Executive Director Dan Benson expressed his gratitude for being named one of this year’s Platinum Dads, saying, “I am so honored to be selected as a Platinum Dad. I want to thank The Father Center for this recognition, and for all the incredible work they do to support dads throughout Mercer County. Being a dad is one of the greatest joys imaginable, and as County Executive, I am always eager for opportunities to help parents here in Mercer to succeed.”
Joining Dan Benson as Platinum Dad honorees are Reggie Coleman, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County; Cory Delgado, Director of School Counseling & Student Wellness with the Montgomery Township School District; Kareem Edwards, General Manager at Comfort Inn & Suites Newark Liberty International Airport; Steven Anthony King, of Cliffside Park, the author of Amazon’s #1 bestselling book It’s Really Good to See You; Jim Patnick of Pennington; Anthony Russ Jr. of Lawrenceville; Donta Sanders Sr. of Trenton, Lead HVAC Technician for Chamberlain University in North Brunswick; and George Sowa, CEO of Greater Trenton. Samuel Fulwood, of Trenton, is this year’s recipient of the Robert E. Alston Legacy of Fatherhood Award.
Bryan Evans, CEO of The Father Center of New Jersey, invites the public, saying, “I encourage you to join us on June 1 for a Father Family Fun Day and to meet these inspiring men.”
Tickets are $10, $5 for children between 6-17 years old, and free for children 5 and under. For tickets, please visit thefathercenter.org.
Sponsorships available! To learn more, please contact Bryan Evans at (609) 695-3663.
Bryan Evans Named New CEO of The Father Center of New Jersey, Succeeding Karen Andrade-Mims
Trenton, NJ (March 11, 2024): The Father Center of New Jersey (TFCNJ), a growing nonprofit organization that provides innovative programs and services to support men in meeting the responsibilities of fatherhood, is delighted to announce the appointment of Bryan Evans as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2024. Evans will succeed Karen Andrade-Mims, who is retiring after more than 16 transformative years of leadership. Throughout her tenure, Andrade-Mims elevated TFCNJ into a pivotal source of support and growth for fathers and their families across New Jersey.
Evans’ appointment as the leader of TFCNJ marks a significant step toward the organization’s ambitious growth and expansion goals. With more than 15 years of executive experience in the nonprofit sector, coupled with a notable tenure in the corporate world, Evans brings a wealth of experience and a track record of delivering successful outcomes for underserved communities across the region. Over the past six years, Evans has been involved in efforts to catalyze community and economic development opportunities in Trenton, New Jersey, in his role as Senior Vice President of Greater Trenton, as well as in his capacity as Chairman of the Trenton Downtown Association.
Under Evans’ leadership, TFCNJ is poised to enhance its visibility and impact within the community with a focus on several key areas, including demonstrating the impact of TFCNJ’s programs on the career, personal and parenting development of men and fathers; building a development capacity to increase the agency’s ability to advance its mission; expanding service into the Hispanic population to better serve increasingly diverse communities; and laying the groundwork for expanding TFCNJ’s footprint across the state of New Jersey.
“Bryan Evans has a clear vision for the future of this organization,” says Karen Andrade-Mims. “He is deeply committed to our mission, and he brings years of experience building impactful partnerships within our community. I am confident he will continue to move The Father Center of New Jersey forward by leading with integrity and compassion.”
Evans’ strategic vision for TFCNJ involves a comprehensive approach to growth, focusing on both internal development and external engagement. By leveraging his extensive experience and leadership skills, Evans is well-positioned to guide TFCNJ toward achieving its goals, making a lasting impact on the communities it serves and enhancing the organization’s role as a leader in fatherhood programming.
“The Father Center of New Jersey holds a special place in my heart, and I deeply value the agency for empowering fathers to profoundly influence their families’ lives socially, emotionally and financially,” says Evans. “Since 2008, Karen has adeptly navigated through both difficult challenges and exciting transformations that have propelled the organization in ways that no one thought was possible. I look forward to building on her legacy and leading the organization into its next growth phase.”
By emphasizing career counseling and workforce development initiatives, TFCNJ equips fathers with the necessary skills to financially provide for their families. The organization offers comprehensive support, including emotional, social and economic resources, enabling fathers to better their lives and, consequently, the lives of their children. Presently, the agency aids over 1,500 fathers annually, assisting them in fostering robust, nurturing connections with their children.
As TFCNJ welcomes Bryan Evans, the organization looks forward to a new chapter of growth, impact and community engagement under his leadership.
Scoring Big for Fathers
Trenton Thunder and NJM Insurance Group’s ‘Safe at Home’ Initiative Supports The Father Center of New Jersey
As this year’s Safe at Home Program nonprofit awardee, The Father Center of New Jersey will receive a donation from NJM Insurance Group (NJM) based on the total number of runs the Thunder score at all home games throughout the season.
As of July 7, 2024, the Thunder have scored 98 runs at home games totaling a $4,900 current donation for The Father Center of NJ. Follow the Father Center of New Jersey on Instagram, Linkedin and Facebook for regular updates throughout the 2024 Trenton Thunder season.
“Our Safe at Home partnership with the Trenton Thunder is founded on our mutual commitment to supporting the communities we are honored to serve,” says Jeff Richardson, NJM’s Community Outreach & Events Coordinator. “This year’s beneficiary, The Father Center of New Jersey, empowers men to develop essential fatherhood skills and responsibilities through a variety of workforce and personal development programs.”
“Every year, our partnership with NJM becomes more valuable and meaningful,” adds Thunder President Jeff Hurley. “We are thrilled with the growing impact and outreach this collaboration is achieving in the region, and we look forward to continued community engagement in years to come.”
“This is an exciting opportunity and we’re thrilled to have been selected by NJM and the Trenton Thunder,” says Bryan Evans, CEO of the Father Center of New Jersey. “The ‘Safe at Home’ metaphor also aligns with the mission of The Father Center of New Jersey, as we strive to create stable, supportive environments where men can develop the skills and confidence needed to become responsible and nurturing fathers.”
The Father Center of New Jersey joins other nonprofits that have been a part of the Safe at Home Program, including HomeWorks Trenton, The Miracle League of Mercer County, Children’s Home Society of NJ, Rescue Mission of Trenton, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK), Anchor House Foundation, PEI Kids, Womanspace, Boys & Girls Clubs (Mercer County), Family Service Association of Bucks County and the Bucks County Opportunity Council.
The Father Center of New Jersey relies on grants and the generosity of the community to support our clients and families. Each and every donation impacts the life of a father, and shapes the lives of their children.
Each program of The Father Center of New Jersey has a quantifiable, positive impact on its community’s children. The more the organization empowers father figures today to get better jobs and gain the emotional tools to support their families, the better outcomes their children have in all areas of life.
By supporting The Father Center, donors are helping to create a brighter future for countless kids who need role models to visualize—and accomplish—all they can achieve.
Click Here To Donate today to support dads and children.
