This manual is the Participants Guide for Becoming Dads-an innovative fatherhood curriculum designed to educate and empower men in challenging situations to take the needed responsibility and action so their children can thrive and be successful for the next generation. Participants in the Becoming Dads course will build knowledge, grow in self-awareness, and apply skills related to becoming the dads their children need. At the completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Face the truth of your past and have hope for a better future

2. Understand the impact of your role as a father

3. Know what your children need from you

4. Be committed to your children for a lifetime

5. Understand the character of a man who lives for others

6. Know how to have a healthy relationship with your child’s mother

7. Start on the road to healing and getting past hurdles to effective fathering

8. Have grounding in your spiritual walk and growth

9. Improve your employment situation

10. Understand the child support system

11. Get on track to providing child support to your child

Marvin Charles is the founder and executive director of Divine Alternatives for Dads Services based in Seattle, Washington. For over 15 years, he has been effectively helping men in surrounding communities reclaim their positive role as the fathers their children need. He is also an ordained minister and an emerging national leader in creating stronger fathers and healthier families. Marvin is the author of Becoming DADS: A Mission to Restore Absent Fathers, which chronicles his life and the beginnings of Divine Alternatives for Dads Services.

George R. Williams, Ph. D. is a trained marriage and family therapist and family life education consultant with almost two decades of experience as a curricula developer, fathering practitioner, master trainer, public speaker, and consultant.

Dr. Williams is the Assistant Director for Faith-based and Community Initiatives for the Kansas Department for Children and Families, and served a decade at the National Center for Fathering as the former Executive Director of Urban Fathering Dr. Williams has been featured in national media and has authored numerous fathering articles and teaching materials.