$30K and 14 Years Later: The Simple Secret That Finally Won This Dad Joint Custody
For 14 years, Malcome H. fought to be more than a “weekend dad” to his twins, Machil and Machai. Despite spending nearly $30,000 in legal fees and child support, co-parenting remained a constant struggle. “I wanted to be the best father possible,” Malcome recalls, “and seeing my boys only on the weekends just wasn’t enough.”
Finding a Real Solution
Everything changed during a court proceeding when Malcome discovered Fathers & Families Support Center (FFSC). Seeking a sustainable change, he enrolled in the six-week Family Formation Program in East St. Louis. “I grew up in a two-parent household. Kids need both parents,” he admitted.
More Than a Classroom
What Malcome found at FFSC wasn’t just a curriculum—it was a brotherhood. He finally found a space where he could be vulnerable. “What I appreciated most was being in a class where I was able to learn from men, and being around men who were able to learn from me,” he says. Through these honest conversations, Malcome’s perspective shifted. He realized that many fathers have the wrong idea about their role. “Child support is only a portion of the responsibilities of a father,” Malcome explains. He began to see that his children needed his accountability just as much as his financial support. “As an accountable parent, whenever they need me, I want to be there. No excuses.”
Breaking the Silence
Before the program, Malcome admitted that when tension rose with the twins’ mother, “I would shut down and not communicate.” FFSC taught him that this silence was hurting his kids. By choosing to be “considerate” and opening up the lines of communication, the dynamic shifted. The true secret to Malcome’s joint custody success lay in this new toolkit: a commitment to accountability and a breakthrough in communication. Now, his children live every other week with him, their stepmother, and their brother.
A Foundation for the Future
Today, Malcome’s boys are teenagers, and he is there for every milestone. “Watching my boys become self-sufficient, driving, and being able to witness them develop relationships has been most rewarding,” he shares.
As a successful Chemical Operator of 13 years, Malcome now urges other fathers to take the leap into the program. “The program teaches everyday life skills—how to cook, nutrition, financial literacy, discipline, and most importantly, accountability.”
From the Kids
“I used to hate Sunday nights because it meant Dad had to leave again. Now, waking up and seeing him in the kitchen on a random Tuesday just makes everything feel right.”
— Machil, age 19
“It’s just really cool having my dad around all the time now. He’s right there to help me with my homework or just hang out. Everything feels way better when he’s home.”
— Andre, age 11
The FFSC Impact
Emotional Growth: Transitioned from “shutting down” to practicing considerate, open communication.
Family Success: Secured 50/50 joint custody and established a stable, restored household for five children.
Financial Stability: Ended the cycle of costly legal battles and focused resources on home and family.
Next Gen Impact: Modeling accountability and self-sufficiency for his sons as they enter adulthood.
