Family Formation
Family Formation is Fathers & Families Support Center’s core program. We welcome both fathers and mothers to enroll. Fathers or mothers enrolled commit to a six-week, full-day, full-immersion, transformational program. Parents spend weekdays in classroom and round-table discussion settings.
Program Offerings
Fathers and mothers enrolled in FFSC’s six-week Family Formation program become empowered parents by learning the necessary skills for effective parenting and co-parenting, personal, spiritual and emotional development, substance abuse prevention and child abuse and neglect prevention. Graduates possess the foundation and tools necessary to become responsible parents and productive members of their communities. Family Formation curriculum includes parenting, financial literacy, mentoring, employment opportunities, career certification resources and family bonding experiences.
During the final two weeks, participants are required to wear business attire to prepare them for employment opportunities. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and supporters, FFSC provides dress clothing for its program participants at no cost.
FFSC’s six-week Family Formation program provides 30 hours of coordinated services and activities that help parents develop parenting skills and cognitive and behavioral changes that empower them to be positively involved, nurturing parents. Sessions occur Monday through Friday. Day and evening classes are available. Throughout the program, parents are supported by an interdisciplinary team consisting of a Parenting Facilitator, Social Services Case Manager, Employment Case Manager and a Family Therapist. The team works collectively to address barriers for parents, such as substance use, unemployment and basic needs to reduce incidences of child abuse and neglect and ensure the development of responsible behaviors that promote healthy engagement with their children and family.
FFSC’s six-week Family Formation program incorporates positive co-parenting methods in its curriculum, encouraging participants to learn essential communication skills and strategies to help build or repair the relationship between parents.
Research shows that children who grow up without an involved father in their lives are…
- 20 times more likely to end up in prison and suffer from behavioral issues.
- 10 times more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs.
- 9 times more likely to drop out of school and end up in juvenile institutions.
- 7 times more likely to end up pregnant.
- 4 times more likely to grow up at or below the poverty level.
(USD HHS, Bureau of the Census).
Ultimately, children benefit from our services, as parents who graduate from our program gain the necessary skills and behaviors to be physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially well for them.
FFSC offers the services of a Family Therapist to directly help participants enrolled in the Family Formation process past trauma. FFSC utilizes a trauma-informed intervention model, addressing trauma from childhood experiences and how it impacts a participant’s ability to make life-changing decisions.
We connect fathers and mothers with great jobs and careers! FFSC’s Employment Development & Mentoring Program (EDMP) helps participants reach the financial stability needed to take an active role in the lives of their children and become participating members of their communities.
Classroom topics include communication strategies, job-readiness skills, mock interviews, resume development and career coaching. We identify the strengths and weaknesses of each participant. Then Career Advisors help identify areas of career interest and pathways to in-demand jobs, along with available training opportunities, matching participants with programs to help them earn certification that leads to job placement.
Male Health and Wellness equips men with information that promotes physical, mental and emotional wellness. The program empowers men to incorporate the “Ask Me 3” questions, get annual health screenings, and become advocates for promoting and maintaining good health.
Legal Services are offered to participants enrolled in FFSC’s six-week Family Formation program, providing high-quality legal assistance in the areas of family law, child support payment modifications, legal visitation, child custody, and more.
Substance Use Education informs participants of substance use and addiction’s impacts on the body, and the negative implications it has on families and communities. Participants are empowered by information to help make more responsible and healthier decisions.
Call us for more info and ask to speak with a case manager! 314-333-4170. Assistance with child support issues is part of FFSC’s six-week Family Formation program.
Our 2023 Impact
• 95% of participants reported increased co-parenting relationship skills.
• 92% of participants reported increased parenting skills.
• 75% of FFSC participants report increased interaction with their children.
• 3% Recidivism rate for participants of FFSC’s Re-Entry Project. Missouri average recidivism rate is 44%.
• Average wage that FFSC participants earned in 2023 was $17.57/hour compared to the state’s minimum wage of $12.
• 233 participants agency-wide obtained or maintained employment, resulting in $8.1M reinvested back into the local economy.
• Over four years (2019 – 2023) FFSC helped the State of Missouri collect $4,771,548 in child support paid by Family Formation participants.
Now Enrolling! Class 166 starts Monday – Jan 6, 2025!
Get StartedEach 6 week session is available at all of our St. Louis locations.
Find UsEnrollment Process
The 2025 class schedule displays when the next series of classes are expected to begin enrollment.
After scheduling an appointment with us, you will meet with a case manager who will access your needs and placement.
Call us at 314-333-4170 and ask to speak with a Case Manager to learn more about how we can help you.
Upcoming Classes
Suits for Success
During the fourth week of the Family Formation program, participants are invited to browse FFSC’s clothing closet, stocked with suits, jackets, shirts, ties, slacks and shoes. The final two weeks of the program are strictly jacket-and-tie as participants prepare for their job interviews.
Reginald Slaughter, FFSC’s Community Outreach Coordinator explains, “Some of our guys have never owned a suit or had reason to put on a shirt and tie. Most can’t afford the cost. That’s why the clothing donations we receive are so important. When it’s time for their interviews, they feel like a million bucks and are a lot more confident!”
Other Services
Fathers’ Rap | Legal | Employment