The mission of the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition is to engage fathers in the positive support of their children, and to enhance community support for fatherhood throughout the Midlands. Midlands Fatherhood Coalition (MFC) is a father’s advocacy organization whose purpose is to help fathers overcome barriers that may prevent them from becoming an integral and effective part of their children’s lives. Specifically, MFC helps fathers to increase their knowledge and develop personal skills in the areas of parenting (including co-parenting with the mothers of the children), negotiating formal systems, anger management, relationships, educational opportunities, financial management, employment and personal values assessment. Special activities to foster father-child relationships are also offered. Additionally, MFC features an Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) also known as Jobs Not Jail component. Men who are incarcerated or about to be incarcerated for non-payment of child support will have their sentences suspended with the provision that they actively participate in the services. These men are required to secure employment, pay child support, and participate in all phases provided by the organization. ATI provides an opportunity for fathers to support their families and to be an active part of their children’s lives while eliminating the cost of incarceration to taxpayers. In 2019, $1,819,400 was saved in taxpayers dollars through Jobs Not Jail impacting 2,151 children residing in the Midlands area.
