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For months, Justin had been preparing for one of the most important moments of his life—the birth of his second child. A longtime participant in The Up Center’s Dad Engagement program, he had attended every group session, asked questions, and supported his high-risk fiancée with care and commitment. When complications arose near the due date, Justin stayed grounded, drawing on the tools and confidence he had gained through the program.

When labor finally began, it was long and difficult. There were moments of fear and exhaustion, but Justin never left his partner’s side. He held her hand, spoke words of comfort, and reminded her that they were in it together. His quiet strength became an anchor through the uncertainty, a reflection of everything he had learned about what it means to show up as a father and a partner.

Two days after their due date, Justin and his family finally welcomed their baby girl—a healthy 8-pound, 22-inch bundle of joy. His voice overflowed with pride and relief as he shared the news with his Dad Specialist, describing the overwhelming mix of fatigue and happiness that came from witnessing the miracle of life once again.

For Justin, this experience wasn’t just about becoming a father for the second time—it was about stepping fully into the role of protector, supporter, and nurturer. His journey is a powerful reminder of what fatherhood truly looks like: standing strong in the hard moments, leading with love, and being fully present for the people who matter most.

When Jeremy joined The Up Center’s Dads Under Construction group, he was eager to learn how to be the best father he could be. Week after week, he showed up ready to listen, share, and grow alongside other dads preparing for fatherhood. But after the birth of his baby in fall of 2024, life became busier. Between sleepless nights, new routines, and supporting his partner, Jordan found it hard to attend the group meetings that had once grounded him.

Even as Jeremy’s attendance paused, his Dad Specialist stayed in touch—sending check-ins and reminders that support was always there when he was ready. Months later, when they finally connected, Jeremy shared wonderful news: his baby was thriving and meeting all developmental milestones. He also spoke proudly about how much he had taken from the Dads Under Construction sessions, using what he learned to create a safe sleep environment for his child and to support his partner through breastfeeding.

Jeremy recalled one particular discussion about workplace advocacy for nursing mothers, remembering how powerful it felt to hear other dads talk about championing their partners’ needs. Now, as his partner prepares to return to work, Jeremy is putting that knowledge into action—helping ensure she can continue breastfeeding while balancing her career.

Though he misses the camaraderie and connection of the group, Jeremy plans to return in the new year. His story shows that the lessons learned at The Up Center don’t end when the meetings do—they ripple outward, helping fathers create healthier, stronger families built on love, understanding, and support.

When Terrence first joined The Up Center’s Dad 2 Dads group, he was struggling quietly. On the verge of divorce and feeling emotionally overwhelmed, he came to the sessions unsure of what to expect—and completely closed off to the idea of therapy. He told himself he was just there to listen, not to share.

But during one particular meeting, focused on Men and Emotions, something changed. As the conversation unfolded, Terrence found himself opening up for the first time. Surrounded by other fathers who understood his pain, he spoke about the weight of what he was going through and how lost he felt. The other dads responded with understanding and encouragement, sharing their own experiences and letting him know he wasn’t alone.

A group facilitator from Dad 2 Dads offered resources and gentle guidance, suggesting therapy as one possible next step. Terrence resisted at first—therapy had always felt too uncomfortable, too unfamiliar. But after hearing the other fathers talk about how it had changed their lives, including one who recommended a therapist who had once co-facilitated the group, something clicked.

Just days later, Terrence reached out to the group facilitator to ask for one-on-one coaching, explaining that he finally felt comfortable enough to accept help. What began as resistance became a moment of breakthrough—proof of what happens when men are given a safe space to speak, listen, and heal together. Through connection and trust, Terrence found the courage to start rebuilding his life, one conversation at a time.

When Tyrell first joined The Up Center’s Dads Under Construction group, he was preparing for one of life’s biggest changes—becoming a father. He had been referred by a home visitor who was already working with his partner through The Up Center’s early childhood home visiting program. Together, they entered their respective programs before their baby’s birth, both determined to give their child the best possible start.

In the beginning, Tyrell often used group time to talk through the struggles in his relationship. He and his partner were facing the stress of pregnancy and the uncertainty that can come with becoming new parents. But week by week, as he continued to attend and engage with the group, something began to shift. Guided by facilitators and surrounded by other fathers who understood his experiences, Tyrell started to see things differently. His tone changed from frustrated and doubtful to positive and hopeful. He began focusing on teamwork, communication, and the kind of dad—and partner—he wanted to be.

That growth showed in every part of his life. When Tyrell and his partner welcomed a healthy baby girl into the world, their connection was stronger, their communication more open, and their home more grounded in mutual care. Their daughter is thriving, breastfeeding successfully, and growing in a home where both parents are engaged, supported, and learning together.

Today, Tyrell continues to attend Dads Under Construction meetings, eager to keep learning and growing alongside his new family. His story—and his family’s partnership between The Up Center’s fatherhood and home visiting programs—shows how integrated support can help parents build not only stronger families, but brighter futures.

When James first joined The Up Center’s Dads Under Construction group for new and expecting fathers, he wasn’t sure what to expect. He and his partner were preparing for the arrival of their first child—a high-risk pregnancy that brought equal parts joy and anxiety. During one group session, James shared that he and his partner often felt rushed by their doctor during prenatal appointments and worried their concerns weren’t being heard.

The group facilitator encouraged James to take a proactive approach by writing down questions and concerns to discuss at their next visit. With this preparation, James felt more confident going into the appointment. He initiated a conversation with their doctor, who listened carefully, apologized for making the couple feel dismissed, and promised to take extra time to ensure they felt supported and informed in the future.

That experience was a turning point for James. He realized that being an involved father meant more than just showing up—it meant using his voice, advocating for his family, and helping create an environment of trust and care. He shared with the group how empowering it felt to take that step and expressed gratitude for the guidance and encouragement he had found through Dads Under Construction.

In the fall, James and his partner welcomed a healthy baby boy into the world. Today, mom, dad, and baby are thriving—and James continues to draw strength and confidence from the lessons he learned through The Up Center’s fatherhood program, where he discovered that the foundation of being a great dad begins with love, presence, and support.