MILWAUKEE — Inside MATC on Friday, there were a lot of proud dads.
"That's my baby boy right there," said Alberto Medellin, who was showing a picture of his 13-year-old son. "That's my motivation to change my life around and be positive."
Medellin needs help getting his driver's license back so he can drive his son to sports practice. That's why he and hundreds of other Milwaukee dads turned out to the Annual Fatherhood Summit. It's a one-stop shop resource fair that helps connect dads with job opportunities, child support help, and fatherly inspiration. It's run by the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative, an organization that encourages fathers to be more present in their children's lives.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett started the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative 14 years ago. The Mayor's office says to date the organization has served more than 12,000 fathers and reduced more than $11 million in child support debt owed to the state.
"If men are feeling challenges in their life, they feel isolated and we want to end that isolation as well to let you know not only are there people in the same shoes you're in, but there's support for you out there," Mayor Barrett said.
That's the spirit father and son Kalan Haywood and Rep. Kalan Haywood, Jr. (D-Milwaukee) helped convey at a panel discussion with fathers and sons.
"To be here, not only to spend time with him but to spend time for a great cause, spend time in this district for a great cause even more so, was a great feeling," Haywood said.
New dads got to hear from other fathers who are trying to fight stereotypes.
"If I'm viewed as only a non-custodial father or only a father in arrears, then you miss so much of who I am and what I am in my kids' lives," said Kima Hamilton. "So for me the biggest struggle is being seen whole."
