Helping fathers since 2021, the Zepf Center Fatherhood Connection (ZCFC) program remains dedicated to empowering program participants. Their unique curriculum focuses on responsible parenting, economic stability and employment interventions while offering support services.
Every month, the ZCFC staff nominates one father who has gone above and beyond program requirements to be featured as the Father of the Month.
September’s Father of the Month is Gregory Jones Jr. Jones decided to participate in the program because he wanted to learn how to live a sober lifestyle and improve his relationship with his son. Throughout his life, Jones has overcome many obstacles and hoped ZCFC could help him become a more nurturing and supportive father.
“I felt like I wasn’t there for my son in the way a father should be,” Jones said. “The Fatherhood Program has opened so many doors for me and others.”
Throughout Jones’ time with ZCFC, he discovered the importance of consistency and stability. He learned to be patient and not give up on himself or his relationship with his son.
Even after completing the Fatherhood program, Jones remains connected to Zepf Center and the recovery community. He continues to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings with the support of Zepf Center staff and works as a full-time Patient Care Tech in the Zepf Center Detox Unit.
Jones also received his Peer Recovery Support (PRS) certificate as well as his Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) certificate. In addition to earning these certifications, Jones plans to continue his education in the field of mental health and substance use disorders.
Beyond his professional role at Zepf Center, Jones continues to promote ZCFC and encourages eligible fathers to give the program a try. He maintains that his participation in the program has taught him how to be a better father and learn valuable co-parenting skills.
According to Jones, the ZCFC program allowed him to access new opportunities that enhanced his and his family's lives. He praises the fatherhood program for addressing barriers in his life that kept him from being a better father and encouraging him to be the best father he can be.
Although Jones gained so much by participating in the program, he maintains that the most important takeaway was learning to support and respect his child’s decisions—even if he disagrees.
Zepf Center Fatherhood Connection cohorts are forming now! Those interested are invited to attend a Fatherhood 101 orientation and begin their journey with ZCFC. Introductory classes are held Tuesdays at 3 p.m. or Fridays at 10:30 a.m.—no appointment is needed.
For more information about this program, visit https://www.zepfcenter.org/northwest-ohio-fatherhood-connection/ or call 419.841.1582.