A Florida father's story of hope began while he was incarcerated. Thanks to National Fatherhood Initiative® partner Operation New Hope, a dad named Fazil completed the InsideOut Dad® program while in prison—twice, actually!—because he found it so beneficial the first time around.
Before participating in the program, Fazil didn’t have a relationship with his son. However, the program prompted him to contact him to start rebuilding their relationship while incarcerated. After his release, Fazil was also able to reconnect with his daughter and build their relationship. NFI is incredibly grateful to Operation New Hope, which provides hope and facilitates reconnection for fathers and families through its programs and services across Florida. Read on to learn how InsideOut Dad® impacted Fazil.
The article below was originally posted on Operation New Hope's blog, Voices of Hope.
Founded in March 1999, Operation New Hope is celebrating our 25th anniversary this year, commemorating our legacy of transformative impact on the people and communities we serve. To mark this momentous occasion, we reached out to some of our former clients to see how they are doing now. Years after returning home, they are still applying what they have learned during their time here at Operation New Hope to achieve success and build a brighter future.
To celebrate Father’s Day this month, we also wanted to ask Fazil about his experience completing the InsideOut Dad® program.
The InsideOut Dad® Program is a transformative 12-week initiative designed specifically for incarcerated fathers, aimed at fostering responsible fatherhood and strengthening family bonds. Participants engage in activities and discussions that enhance parenting skills, emotional intelligence, and personal development, preparing them to be more present and effective parents upon their release.
Here is Fazil’s Voices of Hope Update:
What was your experience with InsideOut Dad®?
“At first, I wanted to make sure it was legit. Ronnie Cage came in with a sincere and open heart. When I started the program, I didn’t have my daughter yet, but I had my adult son. We did not have any kind of relationship at the time. I was doing it to be there for other kids because I did not have a father in my life growing up. The class is what made me reach out to my son for the first time in his adult life.
My son is 30 now. Man, he’s a great kid. When I was away I used to write to him all the time, but right when I got out, he came up missing. But now he’s out and doing well. We have a cool relationship.
I couldn’t be a father to my son when he was coming up, but the program made such an impact on me I’ve been able to be a dad figure to others now that I’m out.”
What was your biggest takeaway from the InsideOut Dad® program?
“Quality time. It is the small things that your kids will remember. Like their daddy pushing them on the swing. They won’t remember the things you get them, but they will remember the memories you made. Dad duties never stop. My little girl has ten pounds of energy! She’s going into gymnastics and basketball.”
What is an experience from InsideOut Dad® that still impacts you today?
“Something I learned that I still remember is PRIDE. Please Remember I Destroyed Everything. I need to remember all the people that are counting on me.
Another thing we did was Mr. Cage had us write all the problems you’ve ever had on a sheet of paper. He said, “Now tear it up, and stick them under your feet.” Then he told us to walk around while holding them under our feet. It didn’t work. Dragging them across the floor is hard. Releasing them makes it easier to walk. That’s why you have to let that past stuff go.”
Why should incarcerated fathers complete InsideOut Dad®?
“You should always have “kid lover” as a part of your resume. If these guys are for real with themselves, they are going to last a lot longer keeping their word with their kids. You are going to have an impact on the kids in your life regardless, but you need to sincerely prepare yourself to support them. It is not easy but it’s rewarding.”
What is your favorite part of being a dad?
“I really love my kids! My favorite part about being a Dad is everything. The good, the bad, and the ugly. The most fun part is seeing a smile on my daughter’s face. I could cry just thinking about it.”
What does Fatherhood mean to you?
A father is the most precious thing a child can have. Men and women bot play an important role. When you get a balance of man and woman you get a balanced result. Nurturing kids saves lives.”
What are you up to now?
“I have my own non-profit called Impact City. I am manifesting that ONH is going to partner with Impact City one day! I would love to partner with the organization because of how it has impacted me. I am forever indebted to ONH.”
What has been your happiest moment since being released?
“My happiest moments since release have been working with and connecting with kids. I love being a dad, and mentoring kids without a father figure in their life. It is all about valuing and loving them. I can’t let them down.”
What is one goal you have for the future?
“My dream is to save kids by mentoring them and doing prison prevention. We have to think about the generations after next. What is most important is leading by example.”
What motivates you?
“Waking up every day and being able to try again.”
