North America's silent epidemic "Fatherlessness" It's time to Step Up!

My name is Dave Morgan I work with the fatherless, please listen to the Live Radio spot we did last week exposing the epidemic of fatherlessness! Stepping Up was on CBC Live Radio 88.1FM (Vancouver, BC) last week! 

Please listen and join in as we help break generational cycles of fatherlessness! 

 Listen now to North America's silent epidemic! "Fatherlessness"

Link:

http://www.youthunlimited.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/interviewwithdave.mp3 …

Stepping Up/Youth Unlimited Interviewed by Jill Krop Global News

A Life Changed!

Throughout this month I found myself reflecting on my life. I could not stop thinking about my lifeʼs story. I would look back on my past with amazement at how much my life has turned around for the good and for the Glory of God!
I was reminded that just ten years ago I was going through a divorce, battling the challenges of being a single parent to my son, risking losing my son through poor life choices and not to mention battling for my life with addiction in the dark world of drugs and alcohol.

At this time in my life I was hanging out with some very unsavory characters who befriended me for their own gain and prosperity, not for friendship but for dollars! I was enslaved in a world of pride and power living a life that demanded self-gratification, void of love, hope and peace! The only joy I had at that time in my life was knowing that I could possibly die tomorrow and end my awful existence! What a twisted sense of hope! I recalled how depressed I was, and how alone I felt. I was imprisoned and trapped in an awful hellish nightmare thinking at that time I could never escape it.

But to Godʼs Glory, he turned my life around so radically and gave me back all that was lost. I have since remarried to the most wonderful girl in the world, I have overcome addiction, I now have THREE wonderful sons. I have a restored friendship with my ex-wife and her husband and I no longer have ties to unsavory people in the community. I live a clean God-fearing life today with Love, Joy, Peace and the greatest gift, HOPE!

I guess the reflections I was having on my past, the “pinch me epiphany” moments was Godʼs way of reminding me that only HE, God can be the true source of transformation in our lives and the world today! Believe me when I say I tried other routes, methods, and schemes to change my life and none of these other ways helped me like the power of Jesus Christ! Though Stepping Up is able to give practical help to these young dads I realize itʼs only through Christʼs divine power we change fully! My hope for these young dads is that they would encounter the power of Christ in each of their lives and situations and be forever changed, the way my life was changed forever by HIM!

"Please Don't leave me Daddy"

I just recently met with a young dad who shared his heart-wrenching story with me. This past Christmas holiday he spent one full week with his son.  The father’s face lit up with a big smile as he shared with me in great detail about the fun time he and his son had spent together over the holidays. “We bonded,” he said, mentioning, “This is a rare thing, to bond with my kid”, as his ex-girlfriend and son live in another city. “I want to see my little guy all the time, but it’s not possible because of the distance between us.”  The young dad’s elation about spending time with his son turned to noticeable sadness as he told me the story of dropping his son off after such a great week. The tears welled up in his eyes; his face got very reflective and he said to me, “Dave, it was horrible, man, just horrible.” He had been holding his son when he dropped him off.  He tried to pass his son over to his mom, but his son grabbed onto his neck yelling, “Please don’t leave me, DADDY!”  There was a lump in my throat as he shared his story. I had a similar experience with my son years ago. And I knew full well how he felt.  That being said, I was amazed at how optimistic he was about things getting better for him and his son one day really soon, even after the ordeal he had just been through. He told me how grateful he was that Stepping Up was there for him. And that he finds hope in knowing he doesn’t have to struggle all alone as a young father.  

“Thanks for being there for me, man!”  

   

The Frustration and deflation of a proud father!

As I sit in the waiting room with my girlfriend at the ultra sound office. Waiting for the news on the health of our new little baby.  The Proud feeling I feel, quickly, becomes a feeling of second best, one of feeling little left out.  Not a typical feeling an expectant father should feel when going to see your baby.

When the ultrasound tech calls my girlfriends name, for her turn to get scanned, I stand up with her as any proud father would, ready to see a glimpse of our little baby for the first time, excited to get a glimpse of the little precious him or her.

In an instant the proud feeling that I as a father had, turns into frustration and anger! I’ll tell you why.

In aloud an abrupt tone and with a rude facial expression I might add, the ultra sound technician say’s this; "dad you can stay seated, you come in near the end, this is just for mom".

My first thought was "WHAT" you gotta be @#$%^& joking! Talking to my self as I sit back down!

I’m not going to lie to you as I write this but I’m feeling really frustrated! Combined with a heavy heart!  The biggest pain I feel is the feeling of being left out.

Now, hear me out! This complaint does not come out of selfish gain or not recognizing the importance of mom. But it takes two to create this little being, so I figure it takes two to view the ultra sound and be part of the moment, at the same time. I think this is a valid point? And it should be heard.

I mean this is our baby is it not? We are mom and dad it took the two of us to create this thing didn’t it? Then I would think we both should go in at the same time, to enjoy the moment together?

I feel the medical system and other factors in our society has a hard time recognizing fathers and their needs at times! The need to be compassionate towards fathers throughout the pregnancy process is an imperative, I think! It seemed to have failed me big time in this situation.

I think the willingness of young fathers wanting to be involved in their child's pregnancy is more common than society thinks.  We should re-think things a little.  Dads are important and we have an important role to play in our children’s lives I wish that society could recognize this.  I feel being treated equal is not two much to ask!

Thanks for listening to my story!

Daddy

Dave's Story 

Please COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR ENGINE SEARCH THE LINK BELOW and watch Dave share a bit of his story here,  http://vimeo.com/55317732 

Dave's breaking point in his life came with the implosion of his own family, leading to divorce and depression. From there Dave journeyed, not only to rehab his body and mind, but most importantly his spirit.  On Dave's road to recovery he discovered the depth's of God's love and grace that he never imagined possible.

Dave is now happily serving God as a husband, father of two son's soon to be three, and youth worker.  Dave is the founder of Stepping Up young fathers at Youth Unlimited/Youth for Christ, where he works to encourage and support young fathers, throughout the inner city of Surrey,BC.  Dave feels called to caution others of poor life choices that can ensnare them and destroy their lives.  His story is one of passion that reflects the genuine love and unending grace of the miraculous God he serves.

Consider Having Dave Share His Story With You!

for speaking Engagements, Seminars, Church Events Contact Dave at 1(604) 202-8914 or at davemorgan@youthunlimited.com.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2012-2013

Meet Dale

Dale Peters has come on board with Stepping Up to help some of these young dads navigate through the difficulties of life. Dale has been a long-time Youth for Christ worker; he has been with YFC since 1979 and is a family therapist. He has already had a huge impact on the lives of these young dads we work with. Dale’s desire is to help in any way he can to give each of these dads a step up in fatherhood. Please pray for him as he partners with us.

Also, could you keep a young dad named Stan in your prayers who is carrying a lot on his plate. Only nineteen and expected to provide financial and give moral support to his partner and young child. He does not feel adequate to do this and wants to run from his responsibilities as a dad! Pray that he reaches out to Stepping Up for he

lp.

The Credentialing Process:
It’s been a busy month so far. I was in Calgary for the first part of November working hard in our YFC credentialing process. It has taken great shape and I should be credentialed by this summer, if all goes well! I will keep you posted.

Shaina and I are doing well, too! We have arrived back from Joah’s hockey tournament recently, where he scored a goal, way to go Jo! Shaina and I are waiting anxiously on the news of the sex of the baby, which will be announced next newsletter! Liam is getting so big; he is so cute and can be a handful at times but he is so loved! May God bless you and your family in HIS love, the

Please Pray For:

Our next Dad and Tot breakfast. And pray for Shaina and I.

Pray for our ongoing events:

Our one-on-one mentoring.

Hockey nights every Thursday 7- 9pm.

YOU have made a SUBSTANTIAL difference in the lives of young dads in Surrey. We are THRILLED to say that the Young Dads Thursday Night Hockey Program has been COMPLETELY funded for 2013 (all $5500) and for that we are extremely thankful.

• We've modified our Hockey Page to show a bit of what the impact of your funding will be. Check it out here:http://t.co/LG5tDwJW

  

  Hockey Night | Stepping Up

  hockey.youngfamilies.ca

  
  

  
  

  
  

  MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY
  
  NEW YEAR!

September Newsletter 2012

They can’t do this alone!

Supporting these young dads is an ongoing endeavor. As we reach out to these dads, (through one-on-one mentoring, and our community focused events such as our Dad and tot morning breakfast and our drop in hockey nights), we are finding out that these guys need more support beyond these events! Stepping Up is in hot pursuit of a credited counselors that can volunteer some of their time to meet with these young dads and help them navigate through some of their life struggles. Please consider helping? If you can help, contact Dave @ davemorgan@youthunlimited.com for more info.


Did You Know?

Kids that grow up in fatherless homes are five times more likely to commit suicide. And twenty times more likely to have mental illness, thirty two times more likely to run away from home. These statistics are staggering and they are crippling our communities today. How do we stop this? How do we make a change? By keeping young dads connected with their children - it’s that simple! To break this cycle of fatherlessness we need financial resources and valuable volunteers. Why? Well, meet Mike, a young dad who has an anger problem and spends most of his days frustrated. He finds it hard at times to look after his child in a way a dad should. He tries to cope by using drugs and alcohol. He has zero life skills to make better choices for him and his young family. He needs a better way! Mike has two choices; he either gets help with his anger and addiction issue or stays living in dysfunction. Most young fathers choose dysfunction. Why? Because it’s easy! Most dads that I work with are like Mike. The need for Stepping Up is crucial in our community - Helping these young fathers stay connected to their young families, breaking the cycle of fatherlessness today! Join us in changing lives - Dave

DAVE and SHAINA'S Update!
NHL hockey this year, NOT! But there is hockey at the Morgan’s house! Joah started his hockey season and so the early morning practices and weekend games begin. Shaina is enjoying being pregnant, but her energy level is down considerably due to having morning sickness all day long! She is such a trooper she never really complains and rarely has those late night pregnant cravings! She is faithfully working hard looking after a few kids to make extra money, please pray that she has strength for her day to day! Liam is growing and is talking so well, he is a joy. I have been very busy,but happy to lend a hand where it’s needed.

A school in Surrey was interested in the fatherless crisis and asked these questions to me!  Please help in the cause"Stop the cycle of fatherless generations"

What are your biggest needs? 

Male mentors and role models, Volunteers, and monthly financial donations.

When did you start? 

This is a grass roots outreach and is really one of a kind in Surrey, and there are virtually no other outreaches like this in the lower mainland. We are pioneering new ground.  We have been growing strong for two years now.

How did you come up with this idea?  

Out of my own personal struggles with a poor father figure in my life and being a single dad for many years.  Through my life's experience I began to imagine one day bringing help to young fathers in Surrey! Alot of these young dads have to journey alone in being a father and being fatherless themselves. In most cases its to much for them to handle so they leave their young children with no better options.  Creating another cycle of fatherlessness, these cycles are sometimes 2 or 3 generations long!  This is a silent epidemic that is sweeping our communities.  So I decided to do something about this issue!  And that's how I created this outreach, to help our community grow stronger with healthy father figures being brought back to our communities today! 

How did you know how father's act without having a father?

I have a father figure/mentor in my life today that shows me how a father should be and act. And it's through this relationship with this mentor/father figure I can help these young dads I work with today.

What way do you make young fathers the best dad they can be?

 By one on one mentorship, Giving them life skills, vocational coaching, group events like a dad and tots breakfast and floor hockey night. Also One day Stepping Up young fathers would like to start a Social Enterprise that gives these young dads work and emotional healing.

Thanks for your interest in what I do working with the fatherless.  Hope these answers help, please keep me informed with what you are doing!  The more voices we have out there helping the fatherless is a really good thing!  If I can help in any other way, please let me know! "Stop the cycle of fatherless generations"

Stepping Up "young fathers" 

3rd Dad and Tot Breakfast!

COME OUT to our THIRD dad and tots breakfast, Dads give the mom in your life a well deserved break! Come with your tot (child) to our Saturday Morning Breakfast and enjoy good food and fun. 

This FREE event is taking place at Peoples Church, Saturday, OCTOBER 27th, 10am-12pm in Surrey. We will have a play station set up for the kids, and Eggs,Toast and Lots of bacon, O.J and coffee and waffles for the kids!! So bring your appetites guys its going to be awesome! 

RSVP to this event ASAP so we know how much food to buy! We don't want anyone going away hungry!! We had a great turn out last time at our SECOND dad and tots breakfast. So don't miss this months breaky, See you there! 

AND REMEMBER GIVE MOM A BREAK! RSVP me davemorgan@youthunlimited.com

If you missed the e-blast, or just want to see a bit more about what these awesome folk do - click the link below.http://youngfamilies.ca/news/blog/index.php?id=4766006349939110382

Blog | Young Families

youngfamilies.ca

STEPPING UP

This Past Month

The month of August has been a month of reflection for me! Throughout the month I found myself reflecting on my life. I could not stop thinking about my lifeʼs story. I would look back on my past with amazement at how much my life has turned around for the good and for the Glory of God!

I was reminded that just ten years ago I was going through a divorce, battling the challenges of being a single parent to my son, risking losing my son through poor life choices and not to mention battling for my life with addiction in the dark world of drugs and alcohol.

At this time in my life I was hanging out with some very unsavory characters who befriended me for their own gain and prosperity, not for friendship but for dollars! I was enslaved in a world of pride and power living a life that demanded self-gratification, void of love, hope and peace! The only joy I had at that time in my life was knowing that I could possibly die tomorrow and end my awful existence! What a twisted sense of hope! I recalled how depressed I was, and how alone I felt. I was imprisoned and trapped in an awful hellish nightmare thinking at that time I could never escape it.

But to Godʼs Glory, he turned my life around so radically and gave me back all that was lost. I have since remarried to the most wonderful girl in the world, I have overcome addiction, I now have two wonderful sons with another baby on the way and I have a restored friendship with my ex-wife and her husband and I no longer have ties to unsavory people in the community. I live a clean God-fearing life today with Love, Joy, Peace and the greatest gift, HOPE!

I guess the reflections I was having on my past, the “pinch me epiphany” moments was Godʼs way of reminding me that only HE, God can be the true source of transformation in our lives and the world today! Believe me when I say I tried other routes, methods, and schemes to change my life and none of these other ways helped me like the power of Jesus Christ! Though Stepping Up is able to give practical help to these young dads I realize itʼs only through Christʼs divine power we change fully! My hope for these young dads is that they would encounter the power of Christ in each of their lives and situations and be forever changed, the way my life was changed forever by HIM!

Dads and Tots Breakfast! 

We had our first Dad and Tot breakfast! We had a great turn out; it was so good to see these young fathers in action with their kids. I was amazed at how they cared not only for their own kids but for the other kids that were there, too! Yes, guys can multi task and I saw this skill-set first hand at our breakfast! Wow!These guys were so appreciative for the free meal and expressed to me that they were eager to continue these breakfasts every month. I believe they saw community in action and realized that other young dads face daily challenges of fatherhood as well as other day to day life struggles. I believe this helped the dads realize they are not alone, I believe that this time spent together let them know that together they were stronger, rather than living as an island unto themselves!

This breakfast could not have been a reality without the help of the Stepping Up Volunteers and all of our financial partnerships. Iʼm so grateful for all the support we have for Stepping Up. Our prayer, finances and volunteers all work together to play a part in this ministry. Without each of us doing our specific part none of the support we provide for these dads would be a reality. So thank you, thanks for all you do!

Our Need

Our new goal for September is to have $375.00 more a month coming in for our personal fundraising. The $375.00 will help us reach our monthly full time budget that each staff is required to raise at YFC. Would you consider being our next

monthly supporter? $10, $20, $30 or more a month would help greatly! To all who are giving to Stepping Up, Shaina and I cannot express enough our gratitude for your monthly support. We are helping so many young fathers today because of your generosity! Thank You!

Dave and Shainaʼs Update

We had fun and relaxation at the lake and enjoyed our family and friends very much! We look forward to this September and all the new school year has in store for us as a family and for Stepping Up too. Please keep us in your prayers, Blessings,