Rodney Pyle has a compelling reason why he's such a big advocate for the BraveHearts for Dads program, which helps dads strengthen their bonds with their children.

After completing the 10-week program last June, the local courts allowed Pyle to see his 2-year-old daughter, Brieanna.

“It really helped me out to get my daughter, see my daughter and help me bond with her,” Pyle said.

Healthy Families Counseling and Support, a nonprofit agency that serves families in Clay and Platte counties, started the free program two years ago for fathers with children ages birth to 6. The Missouri Children's Trust Fund and the Kauffman Foundation help fund BraveHearts.

BraveHearts coordinator Andrea Simpson receives referrals from local courts, attorneys, high schools and Head Start, she said. Other fathers refer themselves. Most volunteer to attend, though some are court-ordered.

Using a curriculum from the Center for Successful Parenting, facilitator Charles Schlee takes the fathers through parenting and child development education, fatherhood development, case management services, father-to-father mentoring, job training and referrals for other services.

“It's open to a wide variety of dads, including those who may be unemployed or of limited financial means, those who don't have a high school diploma, divorced dads, custodial and noncustodial dads,” Schlee said. “Some simply may be single dads who are looking for support.”

Though Pyle completed the program last year, he still attends the weekly sessions, which are held at the Northland Human Service Center near Metropolitan Community College-Maple Woods.

“I've been through it,” he said, “but I still like going to help out other fathers.”

Besides the educational aspect of the program, Pyle said it had helped him and others by talking with other dads going through similar situations.

“That's one thing that's so awesome to see,” Simpson said. “The bonds that develop between the dads show they're truly supportive of one another and of what each one has gone through.”

Free childcare is provided while the dads are in session, and one portion of the meeting is committed to play time between the children and fathers. BraveHearts also has monthly playdates, such as visits to ballgames or barbecues. Even moms are invited to the playdates, Simpson said.

“I think through it all that most importantly, guys understand the roles they play in the lives of their children,” she said. “Through the playdates and in other ways, we hope to convey that they need to have a commitment with the mom even if they're not in a relationship with her.”

Staff writer Natalie Shelton can be reached at 781-4941 or nshelton@npgco.com.

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