Demetrice Davis
“Fathers & Families Support Center (FFSC) gave me clear-cut directions on how to be a responsible dad. They showed me how to model positive behaviors and taught me how to co-parent successfully with the mother of my children.”
Demetrice Davis, a 32-year-old father of two girls, enrolled in FFSC’s Family Formation with one hope: to co-parent in a positive way with the mother of his children.
Although both parents attempted to work together to raise their kids, lack of communication and on-going resentments led Davis to seek out legal help from FFSC: “I didn’t know what else to do. The mother is hurt, and I’m frustrated. I don’t want to fight; I just want to raise our kids. I wanted joint custody, but I had run out of options.”
Through word of mouth, Davis found FFSC: “Everyone told me FFSC has a strict program with discipline, and I knew that’s what I needed to handle my affairs.” Working full-time during the day, Davis enrolled in the evening program and attended classes at night.
“FFSC facilitators are fathers and who have also graduated from the program,” Davis said. “Each one overcame struggles like mine.” He found hope through the testimonies of other fathers who graduated from the 6-week program. “I’m still good friends with the other fathers in my class and we still talk,” he said, adding, “I love having the extra support from other fathers like me!”
Director of Legal Services, Lisl King Williams, who worked with Davis on representing himself in court said this: “Demetrice went to trial for custody and visitation of his 2-year-old daughter. The mother had a well-respected attorney. But I worked with Davis on representing himself in court. Davis ended up attaining a 50/50 custody plan for his youngest. He also has full-custody of his 13-year-old daughter.”
According to Davis: “The mother is coming around and recently told me she agrees that a co-parenting plan was needed all along.” His future plans include supporting his daughters through life and helping them attain their dreams of becoming a lawyer, doctor or surgeon. When Davis isn’t working full-time as a Lead IT Tech at Suncoke Energy, he volunteers with local justice group, Arch City Offenders, helping other parents navigate through the legal system. In the future, Davis hopes to open his own electronics shop and is currently working on technology inventions to become patented.
