Fathers Are Family

It comes naturally—you want to play with your children. For many, it’s how you express your love for them. Unfortunately for Jim, this wasn’t possible anymore. Jim and his wife, Mia, had come to the Freddie Mac Foundation Family Home with their two children looking for stability and supportive services. Due to a disability, Jim had difficulty interacting with his children, and was at a loss for how to connect with them.

With both children showing signs of cognitive delays as well as emotional difficulties, Jim knew he needed to show his children that they had a loving, supportive father. But, if he couldn’t hold them or run with them, how could he be a good parent?

Working with Doorways’ Children’s Services team, Jim was able to learn how to express himself and discipline his children in a nurturing way, benefiting his children’s ability to meet their developmental and academic needs.

After making great strides forward, Jim was able to share in the joy of so many fathers before him: he was able to turn the key and open the door to their new apartment. Working with Doorways staff, Jim learned to love his children in all the ways that he could and give them the greatest gift: a family living together in a home all of their own.