Stepping Up young fathers

Stepping Up young fathers receives backing by the Surrey Foundation! Check out the Link below!

2012-03-02T05:55:00.003-08:00

Stepping Up young fathers Given Financial Donation by the Surrey Foundation!

January News Letter

2012-02-02T09:02:00.000-08:00

Dave Morgan / Youth Unlimited January2012

STEPPING UP

This Past Month

Like everyone I think? This New Year started off with a bunch of commitments (New year resolutions) to our selves and to others right? I know mine did! My New Year resolutions are to read the bible from cover to cover this year and shed a few pounds. Well I have been on track with the reading so far but let’s just say the food tastes the best it ever has, LOL, I’m so weak!

We have begun our Floor Hockey with the young dads this year; we meet every Thursday evening at 7pm and go until 9pm. Our turn out has been good, but we believe for more young dads to come out and experience community with other young fathers. Please Pray for an even better response and commitment to showing up and giving back to their community.

I have also been actively involved in a World Vision grant proposal for the past few months. World Vision approached Youth Unlimited/Stepping Up a few months ago asking us to submit our vision for these young fathers in Surrey. World Vision and Stepping Up’s vision is very similar in the respect that we both want to better the lives of young children emotionally, spiritually and practically alleviating poverty. “How are we going to do this?” you may be asking? Our solution is helping young fathers stay in their child’s lives and by breaking cycles of dysfunction that so easily trap these young parents generation after generation. Please continue to pray for us as we have a few more months in this process with World Vision. Their partnership would be able to bring the resources needed for holistic help and healing to these young fathers, Thank you!

Our Need

Great things are happening in the lives of these young fathers and the preparation for future plans with these young dads and this ministry is on their way in great stride. However, WE NEED YOUR HELP. Our monthly donations need to increase; we depend each month on your giving to further the Gospel in this community and in the lives of these young fathers in Surrey. As well, we depend on your giving as a source of our monthly income. I did some research over the past weeks and discovered that about 10 percent of those reading our Newsletter every month are supporting us financially! By just 10 percent of you giving to this ministry we are gaining amazing traction in the lives of these young dads and helping us with some of our monthly expenses too! Last year we had four people come to salvation through this ministry. Praise God! We are believing for more this year! As I’m writing this I’m overwhelmed with the potential and possibility that if 50 percent or even 75 percent of those who read our newsletter every month, commit as little as Twenty five dollars a month or perhaps fifty dollars a month, we would be able to accomplish so much more in the lives of these young fathers, as well we would see our family’s needs met each month too! Would you consider committing financially this year to our ministry? I know so many of you give to other amazing ministries already! But, would you prayerfully consider giving to this ministry, Youth Unlimited/Stepping Up young fathers? Could you commit financially to this ministry this year? Your partnership financially would be such a blessing and would keep us in the community reaching out. I know that many of you have a desire to give to these young fathers but for some reason are not yet! Let this be the year you start giving to a young dad and his small child. Thank you for your consideration!

Dave and Shaina’s Update

Christmas has come and gone, and all the preparation that leads up to it seems to be a distant memory. We had the wonderful opportunity to go to Florida to visit my family for Christmas. The entire Morgan family hasn’t all been together in over 13 years. My sister and her family live in St. Petersburg Florida and my parents are there for the winter months (escaping the cold Edmonton winter). It was my Dad’s desire to have his whole family together again for Christmas, so he graciously flew all of us down there to be with them. I can’t express how special it was to all be together. We definitely do not take for granted the value of family, especially when the only time we can see each other is over the computer. It was a wonderful and memorable time together…It was even worth it to fly ALL DAY with a 21 month old toddler (there and back). Actually, Liam handled it very well. We were a little worried before, as he is a very active little boy! It was also really special to have the Morgan cousins all together for the first time.

Shaina is busy with her daycare, doing her best to get it licensed. We have hit a few snags in the process and it is setting us back a little. We made the decision to open the daycare so that Shaina could be home with Liam. We still feel it is the best decision and we know that once everything is confirmed with licensing it will be a good opportunity for us, but in the mean time it is very difficult to wait. But sometimes this is what God requires of us, so that He can show us just how He is capable of looking after our needs, if we only just trust in Him. We are doing our best to do that, and God is always faithful, however we really desire your prayers for us during this “waiting period.” We are human and doubt is a natural response to setbacks. Please pray for us to find one extra child (full time…5 days a week), as well as peace and patience in waiting for government responses to certain things. But Praise God for all that He does and All that He is going to do in all of our lives, we are truly grateful for His Grace in our life.

You can do as much as you think you can,  But you'll never accomplish more;  If you're afraid of yourself, young man,  There's little for you in store.  For failure comes from the inside first,  It's there, if we only knew it,  And you can win, though you face the worst,  If you feel that you're going to do it.

~Edgar Guest~

Floor Hockey Thursday's

2012-01-16T20:21:00.000-08:00

IF you are a young father age 13-28 and have a desire to play floor hockey. Then come out and play!

We meet at Peoples Church 104ave and 142street Surrey,BC. We play in the Gym every Thursday from

7pm to 9pm. Call Dave Morgan for more details 604-202-8914!

We want to see you there......peace

The Young Fathers at Stepping Up want to say Merry Christmas!

2011-12-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas From Stepping Up!

December Newsletter 2011:

Feliz Navidad, Joyeux Noel, Froehliche Weihnachten, Sretam Bozic. Vesela Nova Godina... a few ways to wish you a Merry Christmas in Spanish, French, German and Serb-Croation. We are looking forward to celebrating the birth of our Saviour. Christmas can be a wonderful time to celebrate but for some it can be a really difficult time of year. While we shop for gifts, make dinner plans and attend many Christmas events; some are worrying about their next meal, or how are they are going to make Christmas special for their child. When you have a young child you want to do everything possible to protect them and to provide for them. To some this presents an overwhelming challenge, especially at Christmas. For some of the young Dads this is their heartache; not knowing if their children will have a Christmas with decorations, toys, or even a warm meal. It’s an unfortunate reality but it’s what young people are facing right now, in our own city and communities. So many of these young Dads are living in this reality. I had a recent conversation with a young Dad and he told me that due to the fact that he has no government identification he will be unable to participate in the Christmas bureau for families in need. He felt that there was no hope for providing a Christmas for his young children, as he has no means of buying gifts for them. In his words the conversation ended in “bye bye Christmas!” This is only one situation, one story. There are many that are similar stories leaving people feeling hopeless. This is not why Christ came to earth... He came to offer hope and peace and this gift is for everyone; including the unknown, or those who are completely alone, or those who don’t have any idea how they are going to make it in this over commercialized world. Please pray for these young fathers, especially at this time. They are doing their best for their children, but it is a difficult time for them as they too want to give everything they can to their young ones.

Have a Happy New Year!

David Morgan

Who We are and what we are about!

2011-11-19T01:07:00.000-08:00

Stepping Up

An outreach to young dads and the fatherless

Stepping Up is an outreach to the young and often neglected fathers in the Whalley area of Surrey, BC. Stepping Up’s mandate is to keep young fathers connected with their children by helping them become active role models in their children’s lives through mentorship with other men. It will also incorporate a sustainable work initiative in order to foster a healthy male identity in participants while teaching entrepreneurial skills in a safe and supportive environment.

By specifically tailoring the outreach to support the spiritual, emotional, physical and mental needs of young fathers and the fatherless, Stepping Up will not only facilitate authentic personal growth, healing, and resilience amongst those we directly engage with, but we propose our “footprint” in the community of Whalley will be measured by the lasting and measurable impact we have upon the prevalent rate of poverty and homelessness.

The mission of Stepping Up is to stop the cycle of fatherless generations. By building relationships with at-risk young men and providing support services that focus on their spiritual, emotional, physical and mental aspects of well being, we desire to help them find a sense of belonging in their communities; be productive members of society; and most importantly, become committed fathers. As a faith-based organization, we also seek to inspire these young men towards authentic personal growth, healing, resilience, and fullness of life in Jesus Christ.

Mounting evidence indicates the rates of poverty and homelessness both increase when youth grow up without the benefit of an actively engaged father. Not only are fatherless youth five times more likely to be poor, they are ten times more likely to abuse chemical substances, and nine times more likely to drop out of high school. These shocking statistics lend credence to the notion that fatherlessness also perpetuates a brutal cycle of ever increasing poverty. Unfortunately, no other organization has clearly identified the existence of this correlation nor taken action to address the underlying factors that perpetuate this growing “epidemic”. That is until now.

To engage young fathers and the fatherless in a manner that is both impactful and meaningful, Stepping Up will develop its outreach to be both a provider of services and a builder of leaders, fathers, and husbands. To accomplish this task, the outreach will be inclusive of the following elements: education, a safe and supportive community, and healthy male identity construction. To position the outreach within the community, Stepping Up will aim to re-instil the value of the father back into the culture, provide a model for fatherhood based on Christian principles, provide services that meet the diverse needs of young fathers and fatherless youth, and act as a community advocate for the needs of young fathers and fatherless youth based upon justice and mercy.

To find out more, please contact the Stepping Up program coordinator Dave Morgan at

davemorgan@youthunlimited.com

View our blog at http://steppingupbc.blogspot.com/ and join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/index.php?fbnew_opt_in=1#!/groups/139799669368880/

Our most recent update at Stepping Up

2011-11-06T10:16:00.001-08:00

Dave Morgan / Youth Unlimited October 2011

STEPPING UP

Family night

We had an amazing turn out for our family night! There were fifteen to twenty young families that showed up including their children. Altogether we had over one hundred people and it took about twenty pizzas to feed all those who were there. The evening was a great success. I felt a deepening of my call to each of these young fathers and their unique struggles. As I watched the hustle and bustle of the different events we held that night, I could not stop the flood of emotions inside of me. I felt reassured by God that the ministry of Stepping Up young fathers is on the right track to "Stop the cycle of fatherlessness generations". The heart of Father God is in helping to seek justice for these young men. The sense that his hand is in this, was captivating, moving and life giving. I am very encouraged that Stepping Up is on the right track to effect hope and change for the better of young fathers in Surrey.

A young Dad and his Father reaching out for Help!

Could you please pray for a young father and his dad as they get ready for an up coming court date. I was contacted last month out of the blue by a family I have never talked to before that is facing a court date for custody of their child, grandchild. They called me in a state of quiet desperation telling me their situation. They stated that they have no idea how to face the court and are finding it difficult to find a proper advocate in the legal system. The scary thing is that this family did not even know they had a right to bring a lawyer to their court date. After our conversation it was apparent that the most basic resources are lacking for these young fathers in their time of need. They are having trouble finding the most basic of counsel that is needed to help them in their struggles. We at Stepping Up must help them by standing in the gap seeking justice. This family told me they researched the Internet, checked the phone book, even tried word of mouth and could not find answers to their questions. One day they remembered they heard me speak at a local Church on the issues of young fathers, never thinking they would be facing the same struggles I talked about. So they sought out Stepping Up. We were able to find a lawyer and now are waiting for the results after the court date. This is another good example of the importance of this ministry! I can’t imagine what would have happened to this young father and his family if we weren’t there. Would we have seen another fatherless situation on our hand? We have a responsibility at Stepping Up and society as a whole to help young dads on every level in their struggle. Please join with Stepping Up as we advocate for young fathers!

Over…….

Something To Think About!

Bullets or Seeds

You can offer your ideas to others as bullets or seeds. You can shoot them, or sow them; hit people in the head with them, or plant them in their hearts.

Ideas used, as bullets will kill inspiration and neutralize motivation. Used as seeds, they take root, grow, and become reality in the life in which they are planted.

The only risk in the seed approach: Once it grows and becomes part of those in whom it’s planted, you probably will get no credit for originating the idea. But if you’re willing to do without the credit…. you’ll reap a rich harvest.

Richard C. Halverson

Former Chaplin of the United States Senate

Many Hands

Shaina and I are asking you to consider becoming a monthly partner. If each of you reading this newsletter would partner with us in this ministry, giving $35.00 a month, you could help change the life of one young father significantly! If you feel that $35.00 dollars a month is too difficult, would you consider giving $25.00 a month, or even $20.00 a month! Whatever you can give helps greatly and gets us closer to our goal of changing the lives of young fathers. Please continue to pray for the ministry and us. Thank you to all of you giving so generously to this ministry! Shaina and I feel so encouraged by your support!

Dave and Shaina’s Update

The Morgan household continues to be a busy place. We are moving forward with Shaina’s Daycare. We’ve finally finished our paperwork for the licensing and we await the next step in this process. Please pray for us as we continue with this. The licensing process can be a bit daunting. We are also full swing into Joah’s hockey season, which keeps us busy as well. We celebrated Shaina’s birthday this month with a family dinner at the Mongolie Grill. In the first 10 minutes we had hot soup and orange juice spilled all over us….(Oh the joys of going out for dinner with a toddler!!!!) We were still able to salvage the evening and had a wonderful time celebrating my beautiful wife’s birthday. We also celebrated Thanksgiving this month. We enjoyed a delicious dinner with family and felt truly blessed and thankful for all of God’s provision and many blessings in our life. We are thankful for all of you as well, for your interest in being a part of this ministry and helping to make a difference in the lives of young fathers. Blessings.

Young fathers are in desperation!

2011-10-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

Dave Morgan / Youth Unlimited September 2011

STEPPING UP

A Silent Tug Of War!

I woke up one Monday morning in September to this text on my phone from a young father:

“Well Dave looks like I’m screwed till the first. Seriously ready to sign my kid over to foster care. I can’t get ahead no matter how hard I try. But also doesn’t help feeling so alone! Without any family to help this is not something I want to do but I need to do. If I can’t get help for me I can’t help my child. He deserves better”!

“These young fathers are in desperate need of our help”. I was reminded again after reading this text how much young fathers are hurting, how alone they are in their struggle. Most of these young men have exhausted every avenue of help from the government agencies. These agencies are suppose to help but are failing due to being over saturated with the many issues of struggling young families. Some dads are on wait lists that are months even years long for help with their specific need and when help finally arrives for the young dad, it's often too late! Desperation and lack of support and direction cripples them while waiting for the Cavalry “so to speak” to show up and rescue them. Many young dads make some kind of drastic decision that put them and their young children in jeopardy. They usually trump the initial problem by erratic and costly decisions to fix their current situations; these decisions are usually made out of desperation to do anything to change what they are currently facing. Some of these young dads just abandon the waiting on the government process altogether, usually because they lack patience and have life pressures resulting in self-sabotage. With no where else to turn some young dads turn to their often dysfunctional parents or families for help and this leads them even further into emotional despair! Unfortunately most have no family to turn to at all, just like the young father who texted me that Monday morning. It’s so important for 'Stepping Up' to continue to give these young fathers hope through practical needs such as work initiatives, mentorship and life skills. We need to help young fathers break cycles of dysfunction and be there when they need us! I could not imagine what would have happened to this young father and his child if we weren’t there to help him in his time of need. This story could have ended with another fatherless child. Fortunately it had a happy ending, this young father ended up keeping his son and has since found adequate living accommodations and is ready to reach out to us for emotional and practical support too! I often wonder how many more of these stories don’t have a happy ending? Please commit yourself to pray and give financially to this ministry so we can continue to be available for these young Dads and their dramatic situations.

Something To Think About!

A Dad's Blessings: A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.

As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embroidered in Gold. Angry, he raised his voice to his father and said, "With all your money, you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.

When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. And as he did, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we miss Spirit's blessings and answers to our prayers because they do not arrive exactly as we have expected? TODAY'S's affirmation: "Today I look beyond the obvious and allow miracles to be created in my life."

Many Hands

Thank you! We received new monthly donations last month equaling $100.00. We are now asking for another $450.00 a month to come in so we can securely be on at YFC working four days a week. To break it down we would need 4 people giving $100.00 a month or 9 people giving $50.00 a month. But if each of you reading this newsletter would give us as little as $35.00 a month, Shaina and I would not only be on four days a week, we would be on full time at YFC! If you can’t give $35.00 dollars a month, would you consider giving $25.00 a month, or even $20.00 a month! Whatever you can give helps greatly and gets us closer to being on full-time. Please continue to pray for this ministry and us. Please consider being a monthly financial partner as well! Stepping Up “young fathers” is committed to changing lives. So be a part of change; partner with us as together we reach out to young fathers! Thank you to all of you giving so generously to this ministry! Shaina and I feel so encouraged by your support! We are getting closer to our goal every month! Thank you.

Dave and Shaina’s Update

Our family has had a very busy September. Joah, the hockey star, is back on the rink getting ready for another year. He had two goals in his try-outs; hockey season always keeps our lives busy! Liam got chicken pox but not in the traditional way. No, he had a mild case through a vaccine supposed to prevent him from getting it! Yep he is one in a hundred kids to get chicken pox through a preventative vaccine! Lucky us! Shaina and I are still working hard on getting our day care licensed. Please pray for us as we seem very tired lately and a bit stressed. Life has been busy lately and the Licensing process is daunting; we need to get it done sooner than later. Thanks for your Prayers and for so many of you believing in this ministry! Encouragement from the Lord read “Psalm 46:1”, Blessings!

This is a Warning! Be Vigilant in What you let your Kids Watch! (Tree House)

2011-09-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

I was watching Treehouse with my 18 month old son today. A channel that is safe programming for young children, and suddenly a segment on vampires comes on. The segment was an interview with a director with clips from a gory vampire movie. My mouth was gaping as I quickly removed my son and pvred it, to see if what I was watching was really on Treehouse. The segment was about 2 and a half minutes of clips of scary vampires with interviews with a director. At the same time, the treehouse symbol was showing on the bottom right hand corner of the t.v. It then, went into regular programming. I am concerned because whether or not this was a mistake, my young impressionable 18 month old son, is getting images that I absolutely would never let myself watch, let alone him. What about all the other children watching treehouse, and they saw the whole segment. Scary! I am writing so that this can be made known on a grand scale....Parents MUST be vigiliant and careful, even with things they think they can trust. Treehouse T.V. has not responded, as of yet to my complaint. I would like a response to this As Soon As Possible!
David Morgan (Concerned Parent)

A Real Life Story from a Young Father!

2011-09-12T14:56:00.000-07:00

David Morgan/Youth Unlimited August 2011

STEPPING UP

A Young Father Shares His Story

Meet Brad, one of our young dads at Stepping Up “young fathers”, as he writes about his experiences...

Being a young father is the single scariest thing I’ve ever experienced. I’ve cheated death more times than I can count and nothing else compares to being responsible for a life and future you haven’t got a clue about. As one of the few who pulled it together, I will say that it is anything but easy and if you come from a dysfunctional family like I did, who didn’t lay out any proper ground work, you’ve certainly got your work cut out for you! Keeping up on the necessities of life was the most immediate concern of mine as I tried to provide for my young child.

I watched my girlfriend who was part of a young mothers group, called Stepping Stones; this group was helping her provide the basic necessities for my young child, like diapers, wipes and formula. Stepping Stones also provided many other options like a Life Skills Program and others resources. I remembered thinking to myself, “WOW! Someone really wants these young mothers to succeed.”

What I did not remember was seeing any of the same things set-up in our community for young fathers. Not that I was looking or anything. Being a young teen father you have a hard time asking for help and combined with not knowing how to do things, meant failure. I hid the fact that as a seventeen-year-old father I didn’t have a clue about the life I had to live; much less the life my child needed! I needed a positive mentor to teach me how to be a dad. I felt that mentorship of any kind would have been an acute source of help for me at this time.

Mentorship would have been a solid foundation to build my life and the future of my young family on. The trouble was there weren’t any resources available to me of that nature at that time in my life, until Stepping Up “young fathers” was introduced to me last year. I’m now twenty-seven years old. I got through most of my life on sheer determination and no real mentor to teach me how to live life, be a good dad or give back to society.

You see, there were many young fathers all around me on the start line when I was seventeen, but now I don’t see many fathers on the finish line. The determination I had to have to change my life was unique; not many have that gift of such a strong will. This strong will was good for me at that time in my life but it’s definitely not for everyone. The strong will I had was much needed if you lived a life like mine but it was not very beneficial. If I had found support at a younger age, I feel things would have been a lot different and my life could have been much better for me now!

Without support for young fathers and keeping this support, young fathers will struggle all alone! The reason I believe the finish line for young fathers is so small is for one simple fact: lack of mentorship in our communities and little-to-no support! That’s why Stepping Up works; it provides support and mentorship.

Another big difference between Stepping Up and a government official behind a desk is that Stepping Up truly cares about us. Young fathers today need someone or something more helpful and more personal than just being a number in a government line up. Having someone to talk to and bounce ideas off of, or even having a role model is monumental for all young fathers everywhere, and will benefit their young families.

In closing, I walked the long road without much help and it was very difficult at times, but I would love to know in my lifetime that others don’t have to toil so hard for help and walk

miles to seek the answers to the questions in their life.

Brad & his kids

Over.Basically it all comes down to supply and demand; there is no shortage of young fathers out there, so let’s make sure they get the help they need. Stepping Up “young fathers” is a place that provides this help to young dads; young dads need to use it!

Something to Encourage You!

Whenever I’m disappointed with my lot in life, I stop and think about little Jamie Scott. Jamie was trying out for a part in his school play. His mother told me that he’d set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen. On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement. “Guess what, Mum! “, he shouted, and then said those words that remain a lesson to me: “I’ve been chosen to clap and cheer!” By Marie Curling

Like little Jamie Scott when we feel we have not achieved what we have aimed our sights on it’s so easy to get discouraged and cynical. We must understand it’s about perspective and nothing more. So be encouraged if you wanted a part in the play but did not get picked be excited to clap and cheer!

Many Hands

We are asking for another $550.00 a month to come in so we can securely be on at YFC working four days a week. To break it down we would need 5 people giving $110.00 a month or 11 people giving $50.00 a month. But if each of you reading this newsletter would give us as little as $35.00 a month, Shaina and I would not only be on four days a week; we would be on full time at YFC! If you can’t give $35.00 dollars a month, would you consider giving $25.00 a month, or even $20.00 a month! Whatever you can give helps greatly and gets us closer to being on full-time. Please continue to pray for this ministry and us. Please consider being a monthly financial partner as well! Stepping Up “young fathers” is committed to changing lives. So be a part of change; partner with us as together we reach out to young fathers! Thank you to all of you giving so generously to this ministry! Shaina and I feel so encouraged by your support! We are getting closer to our goal every month! Thank you.

Dave and Shaina’s Update

The month of August has gone by so quickly. That’s what happens when you’re having fun....or just keeping really busy. Our family is feeling the pressures of hectic lives. We are not only putting our heart and soul into this ministry, but we are trying to get our little daycare up and running and being parents. Liam has reached 18 months old. He is saying all kinds of words and picking up more and more each day. The cutest is when we sing “Old Macdonald had a Farm” and he yells out “E.I.E.I.O” and then continues to say it all day long. We love watching the continuous transitions that he goes through; it’s so miraculous.

Joah will be starting Grade 4 in September. He has gone from primary to intermediate grades, and is feeling a little nervous about it. It’s amazing to see the changes in him as well. He is no longer just a little boy but a young man who can carry on a great conversation. He is becoming quite a theologian and evangelist as well, as he is sharing the truth of Christianity to his Jehovah Witness friends. He is so eager to learn the Bible so he can help his friends understand it as well. Praise God!

We’ve had the privilege of taking another mini holiday up to the lake. This time it didn’t rain, we had beautiful weather the whole weekend and an amazing time with family. Shaina and I are continuously saying to each other, that in all circumstances and trials that we face, we are immensely blessed by God’s provision of family and friends. What we do cannot be done without them, and without all of you. So thank you.

July 2011 Newsletter/Young Fathers Surrey Bc

2011-08-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

David Morgan/Youth Unlimited July 2011

STEPPING UP

Dave’s Update

The Surrey Foundation

This past month I was given the opportunity to speak at the Surrey Foundation. At the event I gave a quick snapshot of Stepping Up, what we do, and what we are committed to doing in the lives of these young fathers. The Surrey Foundation gave us a wonderful donation towards the dads outreach. The interest in Stepping Up

throughout the community is overwhelming. Every time I share what we are doing in the lives of these young fathers, people are captivated by it and catch our vision! During this event I met a local philanthropist who was affected by the lack of a father figure in his own life. He felt passionate about helping Stepping Up gain vital traction in the community of Surrey as a provider of resources and emotional support to these young dads. I’m very excited to see where this partnership will take us.

Walking with the Fathers

I have had a very busy month, spending a lot of one-on-one time meeting with the young dads. Shaina and I have also had these young men and their children to our home for dinners and other events. We have really felt blessed to have these young dads and their children in our home! It seems they are opening up to us more these days; I believe they see real tangible hope in what Stepping Up stands for and what we are committed to doing in their lives and their children’s lives. By gaining the trust of these young fathers I feel that they are expecting certain practical things from us too!

In the last months I have felt a pressing need to implement and demonstrate practical solutions for these young men. Our words of comfort and support are not enough. Going for an occasional coffee and having a fun night out with them is not going to adequately support them and their unique needs as young fathers. They are in need of – and wanting – tangible, practical help so their young families can survive, and are looking to Stepping Up to create solutions for them. The social outreaches in Surrey are inundated with hundreds of cases and these young dads’ practical needs are last on the list in most cases. The young dad issue is rampant in our communities because little-to-nothing is being done; their needs are slipping through the

cracks! We at Stepping Up have a great opportunity to provide these practical needs with viable options like work, mentoring and school initiatives. If these practical needs are met they will be more open to finding a relationship with God that will ultimately bring true healing in their lives.

One thought has been relentlessly going over and over in my mind. The thought is this: “Dave it’s one thing to talk about hope for the fatherless, but what practical things are you going to do to bring hope?” These words have haunted me for a few months now and are giving me the motivation and focus I need to make these initiatives a real possibility in the lives of these young men. My heart breaks for these young men and each of their struggles! I pray, weep and call out to God everyday asking him to meet these young dads’ practical needs! I want Stepping Up to be used by God in a way that can provide these practical needs. The young dads have such great courage; pressing on and moving forward in life despite all their obstacles. They are true heroes to me!

Over.The Struggles of the Young Father

A lot of young fathers have generational cycles to break in their lives and in the lives of their young children. The problem is acute when young boys lack a male mentor with a healthy male identity. Renowned psychologist Dr. James Dobson states that, “At about three to five years of age, a lad gradually pulls away from his mom and sisters in an effort to formulate a

masculine identity. This is a process known as "disconnection and differentiation," where the inner urge of the male plan of development nudges him out of the nest of the mother over a precarious bridge to the world of the father. With the absence of a father, boys are forced to formulate their sense of male identity from their surroundings. Many turn to the many famous figures within the worlds of entertainment and sports as sources of inspiration while others turn to gangs and a world of violence. Either way, these young boys suffer.” It’s so important that we support these young fathers and help them to understand what it means to be a young man and what their role is as a father. Please continue to pray for all the young fathers I work with helping each one of them break the dysfunctional cycles that so greatly entangle them! These young fathers should not struggle alone!

How $35.00 a Month Can Change Lives We are asking for another $600.00 a month to come in so we can securely be on at YFC working four days a

week. To break it down we would need 6 people giving $100.00 a month or 12 people giving $50.00 a month. But if each of you reading this newsletter would give us as little as $35.00 a month, Shaina and I would not

only be on four days a week; we would be on full time at YFC! If you can’t give $35.00 dollars a month, would you consider giving $25.00 a month, or even $20.00 a month! Whatever you can give helps greatly and gets us closer to being on full-time. Please continue to pray for this ministry and us. Please consider being a monthly financial partner as well! Stepping Up “young fathers” is committed to changing lives. So be a part of change; partner with us as together we reach out to young fathers! Thank you to all of you giving so generously to this ministry! Shaina and I feel so encouraged by your support. We could not do what we do, day in and day out, without your partnership. Thank You!

Vindicate the weak and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute.

Psalm 82:3

P.S.

Dave and Shaina’s Update

Shaina and I went to the lake this month; it was nice to spend holidays with our family! Shaina’s relatives from Scotland were here for just under a month; it’s always nice to hear a good Scottish accent! Liam and Joah are growing like weeds and are both such a joy! Shaina is opening up a daycare in our home and we are going through the licensing process – what a JOB; there’s a lot to learn! It’s going to be great to have all the hard work behind us though. Shaina is very excited to be working once again; she can’t wait to get the daycare all set up. And I’m just happy helping her! Until next month!

PARTNERING WITH US FOR ONLY $35.00 A MONTH WILL CHANGE LIVES!

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1

Shocking "Young Father" Stats!!!!!!

2011-08-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

Children with involved Fathers are more confident, better able to deal with frustration, better able to gain independence and their own identity, more likely to mature into compassionate adults, more likely to have a high self esteem, more sociable, more secure as infants, less likely to show signs of depression, less likely to commit suicide, more empathetic, boys have been shown to be less aggressive and adolescent girls are less likely to engage in sex.

63% of teen suicides come from fatherless homes. That’s 5 times the national average.

SOURCE: U.S. Dept of Health

90% of all runaways and homeless children are from fatherless homes. That’s 32 times the national average.

80% of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes. 14 times the national average.

SOURCE: Justice and Behavior

85% of children with behavioral problems come from fatherless homes. 20 times the national average.

SOURCE: Center for Disease Control

71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes. 9 times the national average.

SOURCE: National Principals Association Report

75% of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes. 10 times the national average.

SOURCE: Rainbow’s for all God’s Children

85% of all youths in prison come from fatherless homes. 20 times the national average.

SOURCE: U.S. Dept. of Justice

Daughters of single parents without a Father involved are 53% more likely to marry as teenagers, 711% more likely to have children as teenagers, 164% more likely to have a pre-marital birth and 92% more likely to get divorced themselves.

91% of 701 fathers surveyed by the University of Texas at Austin agreed that there is a “father-absence crisis in America.” What were the 4 major obstacles for fathers to overcome? 1) Work demands 2) The media 3) Pop Culture 4) Finances

Researchers of Columbia University found that children living in two-parent households with a poor relationship with their father are 68% more likely to smoke, drink or use drugs compared to all teens in two-parent households. Moreover, teens in single-mother households fared much worse. They had a 30% higher risk than those in all two-parent households.

“Without two parents, working together as a team, the child has more difficulty learning the combination of empathy, reciprocity, fairness and self-command that people ordinarily take for granted. If the child does not learn this at home, society will have to manage his behavior in some other way. He may have to be rehabilitated, incarcerated, or otherwise restrained. In this case, prisons will substitute for parents.”

SOURCE: Morse, Jennifer Roback. “Parents or Prisons.” Policy Review, 2003

Children with Fathers who are involved are 40% less likely to repeat a grade in school.

SOURCE: National Household Education Survey

Children with Fathers who are involved are 70% less likely to drop out of school.

Children with Fathers who are involved are more likely to get A’s in school.

Children with Fathers who are involved are more likely to enjoy school and engage in extracurricular activities.

Even in high crime neighborhoods, 90% of children from stable 2 parent homes where the Father is involved do not become delinquents.

SOURCE: Development and Psychopathology 1993

Adolescent girls raised in a 2 parent home with involved Fathers are significantly less likely to be sexually active than girls raised without involved Fathers.

SOURCE: Journal of Marriage and Family, 1994

A young Father all alone!

2011-08-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

I met with a young father this past week. He is feeling all alone, he is an expectant father in 20 weeks and is 19yrs old. Like most of the fathers I work with he has had difficult growing up years! His relationship with his father is strained and relationship with his mom is damaged. This young man saw our outreach online and got in touch with us. He mentioned to me that he thought there was no programs out there for young teen fathers and was very happy to know we are in the community.

As he shared his story with me I felt so happy that we were able to help him in his time of need. I felt that all the sacrifices my wife and children have made to start this initiative for teen fathers in the community, is well worth it! If the sacrifice was for one young father it would be well worth it! I'm so thrilled we can help this young dad in his situation before for it gets worse! Help him before his baby is born is so crucial. Desperation has not set in yet he can feel a little more sorted in life with our help, thus better situation for baby when it is born! By walking with Stepping Up this young fathers will feel he has the resources he needs to set his life on the right track equipping him to be the best father possible.
Another thing I realized as I talked with this young father was this, he is searching for a father figure in his own life, and was desperate to find one! His desire to be a good and dependable father to his young unborn child was very evident but finding a father figure in his life was just as important, I felt he needed a mentor.

These young fathers need guidance, practical resources and most importantly a father figure. At stepping up we believe in breaking cycles, helping young fathers stay in their children's lives and "Stopping the cycle of fatherless generations" Is at the top of our list. Please keep these young fathers and this out reach in your thoughts, as we move forward empowering young fathers in the community.

We need your Help! Please consider being a monthly Partner! The reality is that finance's move this outreach forward. We need your financial support! Please consider partnering with us. Would you consider being a $300,$200 or even $100 monthly partner? Or if you can not commit monthly perhaps you could give a one time donation, that would help Greatly! Or would you consider a possible monthly partnership of $75,$50 or $25 dollars? Any amount helps greatly! All donations are given a tax free number for your personal year end.

This partnership WITH YOU, would help keep this outreach accessible to young fathers in our community of Surrey. And hopefully one day in your community. If you feel you can donate financially to this outreach, go to the left side of the blog and click on the Youth Unlimited Icon and then press support Dave Morgan.

Thanks, David Morgan

Stepping Up helping young fathers practically

2011-08-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

Well the time has come to share the news!!

Stepping Up young fathers has completed it's five year strategic plan. And our main focus is to help these young dads practically, how are we going to do this? Simple, sustainable work initiatives. We are looking at a business idea that we can sustain these young dads and their families.

Our focus will be on raising funds so we can open a business that can employ young dads in the community of Surrey. Incorporating a trades program, schooling program and much needed counseling. but the focus will be on getting these young dads working first. If we can't reach these young dads practically we won't be able to reach the inner man and heal deep wounds caused by their own pasts and father issues.

After working directly with these young dads over a year now the struggle of these young fathers has been very apparent to me! The depth of the struggles these young men face are huge! Their safety now and for a better future is in jeopardy!

If we look at Maslow's hierarchy of needs chart I can show you exactly were the majority of these young men are, they are lacking the security for a better future for them and their young families.

These young men are in the safety category the one in red. I have really struggled to find away to truly help these young men. Until one day I realized that these young men lives parallel this chart. If they are struggling to find safety in housing,food and employment they will be hard pressed to find any inner healing or open up to a God who can truly change their situation.

So continue to pray about how you may donate time or give financially to what we are doing at Stepping Up. You can be apart of changing a young dads life. It would be great to have you on board in what ever way you see fit.

Blessings,David

2011-07-13T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hello Fathers,

We will be away for the next two weeks. But meeting together again on Friday the 29th of this month (July) so put that in your calendars!

Did you know that 70% of fathers lived primarily or entirely apart from their children. An analysis of data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY) yielded similar results. Among children whose parents had separated in 1998/99 and not reunited two years later, 72% lived primarily apart from their fathers.

I'm so proud of you guys! We are breaking this cycle in Surrey! Together we are "Stopping the cycle of fatherless generations"!

All you young dads that are staying the course and being the change, staying in your child's lives are the true hero's of our community!

See you in a couple of weeks!

David Morgan

Meet up this Friday!

2011-07-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

Hi Guy's we are meeting at Bear Creek Park this Friday at 7pm. Bring your kids we are going to do a coffee/Slurpee run and let the kids play at the park. We will be meeting at the water park entrance off of 88ave. See you there! Email me if you have any questions davemorgan@youthunlimited.com Can't wait!
Dave

Canada Day Hello!

2011-07-03T23:22:00.000-07:00

Hope all you dads had a great Canada day! Looking forward to the next few months of sun and fun! My son said to me the other day I can't wait to go to the lake and especially to see your fat belly Dad! I laughed of coarse but inside I new I missed the window to work out last winter.

Canada day was spent with family and friends we BBQ'd and swam in the pool, it was so much fun. I got a little sun burned but it was worth it! I got to spend a lot of time with my baby boy Liam splashing around and being a kid myself. I wouldn't of spent Canada Day any other way! Have fun with your kids this summer and remember your kids are looking up to you, and don't forget to be a kid yourself! Dave

2011-06-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

Last Friday we dads met at the mall and let the kids play! It was a great time connecting! We also had a chance to meet a new dad and his daughter. We at "Stepping Up young fathers" are very pleased how this little grass roots community is growing. It's always good to see growth!

Just a quick reminder, we are planning a fishing trip for mid September for all the young fathers. We are also opening up mid week floor hockey to all young fathers in Surrey. And we are also planning a Saturday morning breakfast "Dad and Tots Breakfast" in the fall. This will be a chance for young fathers to connect with other young fathers and play with our children.

Can't wait to see you all next week! Keep being great Dads!

Dave

A Fathers Day Video!

2011-06-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

Watch this link! Happy Fathers Day!

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dad-life-single/id393406710

2011-06-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hi to all young Dads! Happy Father's Day!!!

Remember your little ones are looking up to you so be the dad you where created to be and have fun with them. Never stop being a kid yourself.

Hey, we are going to start mid week floor hockey, starting in August/September for all young dads in Surrey! Also don't forget we will be having a tots and dads breakfast on Saturday Mornings starting in September as well.

Have a good week and a Great Father's Day!

David

Sounding Board "Friday nights are changing"

2011-06-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

Soon our Friday nights will change to Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. We are going to start mid week floor hockey for the young dads of Surrey. We will also be meeting Saturday mornings for breakfast, a "young dads and child breakfast". The Saturday morning breakfast will focus on food and fun with our children this will enable us to have time to connect with other young dads in the community.

P.S We have found another location to meet, we will be updating a new locations soon! Thanks again guys for being awesome dads! David

Quick up date:

2011-05-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks Brad and Corey for your feedback in our small video! You Answered the three questions very well. The questions were, 1) What is the biggest obstacle of being a young father today? 2) What community resources do young dads have at their finger tips in Surrey? 3) How important is it for a young father to stay in their child's life? The video's will be posted on the blog soon.

You guys are true Hero's and Awesome fathers!

We will see everyone at 7:30PM, Friday June 3rd at Brads House for our Next young fathers meeting the "Sounding board"!

"They don't have to struggle alone"

2011-05-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

The struggle of the young father is a continuous and constant one. They struggle to gain validation and to be heard, but still the greatest struggle I see today, is the one to stay and be involved in their child’s life. Being a father is a great challenge at the best of times, but mix in being a young father and fighting to stay in your child’s life, and it can become overwhelming – a daunting task.

Unfortunately, the reality for many young dads in Surrey and our country as a whole is that their fight is real, and in most cases, they struggle alone. A lot of our young dads have no support or anyone to stand alongside them. These young fathers fight so courageously minute-by-minute, day-by-day, hoping to overcome a fight that they can’t win by themselves. They need our help to advocate for them. They need resources, love and support to win their struggle, or these young fathers will be in jeopardy of becoming the shadow figures in our community; people without faces or voices. Please continue and pray for this ministry to flourish and thrive, so we can be part of "Stopping the cycle of fatherless generations".

Young Dads Meeting Tonight: Anger and what it does to us as fathers.

2011-04-30T00:07:00.000-07:00

This picture above is how I feel about the young dads! By sharing our stories we are making stronger communities. You guys are all super Dad's to me!

Well there was no beef jerky or coffee tonight but there was, "A"coffee the coffee I brought for me LOL. Putting coffee and beef jerky aside, we all brought one thing tonight, that one thing was our stories. And guys I want to thank you for all those stories shared. The stories shared tonight have encouraged me deeply. Thank you for being so open and honest, just brilliant!

Our topic tonight was on anger, we talked on how we can use our anger to be good fuel or negative fuel moving us forward or backwards in our lives. A couple of things that jumped out at me as we talked was this: we all have anger and have experienced anger. Anger, has positive effects and negative effects on us and our loved ones. I learned that unresolved anger from our earlier years in life have shaped each of us and has shaped our lives today. But the greatest or most important thing I learned as you shared was that we don't have to be a victim of anger, we can move past our hurts and still be productive people giving back fully to the world around us and our loved ones.

I'm so encouraged by these young dads, especially the way we can talk on such deep topics week after week and walk away with a sense of togetherness, feeling built up, and feeling very encouraged! WOW!

This small grass roots group has such great potential! This group of young dads has the potential to link arms with other hurting dads and to help them too. My hope is that this group will realize that their stories are powerful and their stories give strength and hope to other dads. I hope they will continue to extend themselves and link arms with other hurting young fathers all over Surrey!

Hope to see you all again next week....David Morgan

Quick Hello

2011-04-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

Good Day all,

I hope Easter was good for all of you? Just want to follow up with each of you and invite you to yet again another dads meeting this Friday, at Brads house. Brad has opened up his living room to us so we can, talk, yell and eat beef jerky, I don't know if we will do it in that order, and heck I don't even know if there will even be beef jerky there, but I do know we are meeting on Friday and it sounded cool and a dad thing to do, anyhow it will go something like that! LOL! "We are calling our Friday nights the "SOUNDING BOARD", thanks BRAD for that! The SOUNDING BOARD is a safe place for young fathers to connect and vent and receive life tools to succeed in being the best young dad's possible.

This weeks topic is on ANGER, the focus of this discussion will be, "How do we control our anger? Letting anger work for the positive in our lives not letting anger get the best of us"? So many young dads have anger, life is frustrating and there is lots of pressures to deal with. Anger is a natural response to struggle!

Anger is not a bad thing but if we use it in a negative way we can destroy our lives and those we love. I let anger almost destroy my life. Talking to other young father's about my struggle with anger is part of my healing journey and my giving back to our community. And I'm sure you will find healing too as you share your story!

There is hope!! You see, anger used or (channelled) in a positive way can give you the fuel to make positive changes in our lives anger is not a bad thing it's how we use it that counts!

So come on out this Friday, be apart of our community seek change that will help you be a great person, a contributor to society and most importantly a committed father.....David Morgan

Friday's Discussion

2011-04-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

So we asked a few questions last Friday at the young dads meeting, if you were unable to make it and are interested in what was talked about I'm posting the questions we talked on so you are kept up to speed for our next meeting.

1) Describe what a father means to you?

2) What was your relationship like with your father?

3) What type of father do you want to be?

4) What steps do you have to take, to be the best father possible?

The discussion was really good, and I think we are onto something here....Keep being the best dads you can be! In my mind you all are great dads!

We are not meeting this Friday due to Good Friday, but we will meet the following Friday April 29/2011. Where we are meeting is unknown as of yet but there are a few good possibilities on the horizon!

Dave

NEW DAD? Watch this video!

2011-04-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

For all the new Dads out there,,,,,

Last Night "STEPPING UP young fathers"

2011-04-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

Last night was really good, it definitely was a guys meeting! We watched the hockey game and Vancouver won over Chicago. The score..... 4-3, Yahoo! Bring home the cup Vancouver! While we watched the game the guys talked on "What it means to be a father." Who says guys can't multitask? I felt really encouraged by the stories that were shared. A lot of those stories will help me in the future as I parent my children, and I can't help but think the stories that were shared will benefit all who were there,Thanks guys, for your input!

Last night I felt a sense of "We are onto something here." I couldn't help but think how many young dad's lives can and will be helped and changed as we continue to share our experience's on being a father with one another. I felt that this new emerging group of young dads can stop the thinking that, "We can continue to father our children on our own, without the help of anyone.....We can be an island unto our own........Never reaching out for help to anyone." We as young fathers need to understand that we need to stand beside each other, that we are not alone in fatherhood and that most important, we will find that there is strength given to us as we come together helping one another to understand what it means to be a father.

A call to all "Young Fathers" Friday 15th Young Dads Meeting

2011-04-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

A shout out to all young fathers, join us THIS Friday,April 15th at 7:30pm. We will be meeting as a community of young dads, The discussion will be this: "WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A FATHER". Bring your Kids they are welcome, we have a play area for them! For more information on the meeting email Dave, davemorgan@youthunlimited.com

"It's time to bring Fatherhood back to the Neighborhood"

2011-04-08T21:52:00.000-07:00

It's crucial we support young fathers! Young fathers need our support! Helping young dads get practical life skills/tools is key. These tools will help young fathers stay connected with their children for Life.....Help a young father stay connected with their children in your neighbourhood! Be a mentor be apart of bringing fatherhood back to the neighbourhood!

Young fathers face unbeatable odds,

I have been working with two young dads who are not coping well. These teen dads’ stories seem to parallel each other. They are faced with the struggles of now being fathers, dealing with fractured relationships with the mothers, and not knowing how to support their children, let alone take care of themselves. These young dads so desperately want to be in their children’s lives but don’t have the tools to do so! They both are very broken over their situations, not wanting their children to become fatherless! It is so vital that we begin to mentor these young fathers in their darkest hour, helping them find tools that work so we can see our communities healed and fatherhood brought back to our neighbourhoods. Mentorship does work; one of my volunteers, Darin Adams, has helped his mentee find a job! This job was much needed and came at the right time, enabling this young father to stay with his young family and not abandon them (skip out, as he told us), because he could no longer support them! Praise God for mentors like Darin and Praise God for our committed young fathers!

March 13, 2011....UPDATE

2011-03-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

YOUNG FATHERS ARE CREATING COMMUNITY TOGETHER, join us on Friday nights at 7:30pm. Email David Morgan for details. We will be starting to blog daily in April,2011 so stay tuned! STEPPING UP young fathers is a community of young fathers that meet online and in person on Friday nights! COME BE APART OF THIS MOVEMENT!

David Morgan

Welcome!

2011-02-26T16:06:00.000-08:00

Hi Guys.
Firstly I'd thank all of you that made it out last Friday night. It can be tough to balance all of the pressures that life puts on us, so thank you for your commitment, it was great meeting new faces and reconnecting with familiar ones.

Secondly, welcome to your new online meeting place! You'll see various things posted here from time to time that hopefully will help encourage you in your journey to become the best father, husband, son, friend that you can be. If you have something that you think other guys need to read, feel free post it. This is your site! If there is anything you're struggling with and just need to talk it out with someone, but don't want it public, send us an email.

I'm looking forward to getting to know each of you better in the coming months, and I'm excited to see where this little grass-roots community will go! Cool!
Stay tuned for upcoming events, and respond with your own ideas as well. Retro bowling night with the moms? 3 day backpacking trip...guys only? Floor hockey? Fundraising ideas? Think about it....

...and we'll see you Friday. Dave said he'd bring doughnuts. (Ok, he really didn't say that, but I'm trying to get us free food!)

Oh, one last thing. I called this site "Stepping Up" cause it just seemed to fit. Partly because of the affiliation with "Stepping Stones", the outreach for young moms in our community, but the name "Stepping Up" really describes YOU GUYS! There are way too many young dads that turn tail and run, and simply don't step up to plate and be involved in their children's lives. You guys, however, are different. You want to be there for your kids, and that's cool!