By DaJohnai Vincson, Program Manager, Dads Back! Academy
Steven J.’s story shows what’s possible when a father chooses change
In October 2024, Steven J. was living in a work-release facility and carrying the weight of a difficult past marked by addiction and crime. More than anything, he was haunted by the realization that if he didn’t change, he risked losing the opportunity to be the father his young son deserved. That was when Steven enrolled in the Dads Back! Academy.
The Dads Back! Academy is an incentivized, comprehensive, community-based program for fathers who have been incarcerated or are living in transitional programs and have children who are 24 years of age or younger.
Steven took part in workshops on personal growth, fatherhood, and life skills. The Dads Back! Academy supported his sobriety through case management and supportive services. For Steven, completing the program marked the beginning of a new life rooted in purpose and responsibility.
Before being discharged from work release and transitioning to parole, Steven secured employment, demonstrating his readiness to rebuild and move forward. Today, we are proud to share that Steven has successfully completed parole and is doing well.
Steven married his longtime girlfriend, purchased a new home, and welcomed two more children into his family. He remains sober, works in the construction industry as a supervisor, and has built a stable and loving home. Most importantly, he is a present, committed, and dependable father.
Steven’s journey is not just a success story—it is a testament to the power of second chances, the importance of fatherhood, and the life-changing impact of support, guidance, and belief. And that is what the Dads Back! Academy is all about.