Desmond S.
“I had a father, but he wasn’t present,” reflects Desmond S., a graduate who powerfully transformed his life through Fathers & Families Support Center’s (FFSC) 6-week Family Formation program. Desmond’s early life took a difficult path. As a high school dropout who fell in with the wrong crowd, he found himself incarcerated at just 18, leaving behind his six-month-old son, Desmond Jr.
Even behind bars, the desire to be a father remained strong. “I was able to talk to and see my kid, I sent photos and letters,” he explains. But the inability to truly be present in his son’s life weighed heavily on Desmond. Cherished visits with Desmond, Jr. filled him with guilt, shame and regret.
After his release, a powerful seed of hope was sown when Desmond reconnected with an old friend, a graduate of FFSC, who spoke firsthand of the program’s transformative power. Two years later, Desmond was ready and finally enrolled in the Family Formation program in East St. Louis, IL. “I was seeking guidance, better opportunities after prison and to understand what it means to be a father,” he admits.
The program’s structure resonated deeply with him: “FFSC put a lot into perspective for me,” Desmond explains. “It put me in a position to overcome problems, gain confidence, and push myself to be a better man and father.” The supportive environment of men facing similar journeys shifted his understanding of fatherhood. In class, he gained invaluable co-parenting tools and learned effective parenting and discipline strategies, building a strong foundation for responsible fatherhood.
FFSC’s commitment to empowerment extended beyond the family. Through its Employment Development & Mentoring Program (EDMP), Desmond found an opportunity at a men’s homeless shelter, an experience that instilled in him a “humble perspective.” Preparing for this new chapter, FFSC’s EDMP provided interview attire from their Suits For Success closet and coached him for job interviews. “Putting that suit on, shaking hands, it felt good, it truly boosted my confidence,” Desmond recalls.
Today, he thrives as a local truck driver, now able to provide stability and security for his growing family. As a proud father of three boys, Desmond makes family time a priority. Their adventures include zoo trips, park walks, swimming, and energetic outings to Sky Zone and Urban Air. Despite a demanding work schedule, connection with his family remains key. Reflecting on his transformative journey, Desmond shares, “One thing that I take away from this program is patience, and not to be afraid of change, in order to be a father.”
Desmond’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of FFSC’s Family Formation program and how guidance, support, and opportunity can empower fathers to break cycles and build a legacy of presence and love.
