My Dad’s Group, a well-established positive parenting program for men in Grey and Bruce counties, has officially opened registration for its September 2024 session. The program offers two convenient group locations, with meetings on Monday evenings in Owen Sound and Tuesday evenings in Hanover.
My Dad’s Group gives guys the chance to connect with other dads, learn more about their children’s needs and how they change over time, and work on the skills they need to be the safest and most supportive man they can be in the lives of their kids. The program runs for eleven weeks in the evening from 6 to 8:30 p.m.; it is free, and dinner is provided.
“Back to school is an important time,” said Jon Farmer, Men’s Program Supervisor. “Summers are often full and the transition back to school makes for new routines and stresses as kids and families navigate new milestones and learning. That also makes it an important time for men to connect and support each other in learning and being the best version of themselves for their kids.”
The program was originally developed in Grey Bruce in the 1990s and has been running through the Men’s Program consistently since that time. It is run in partnership with Bruce Grey Child and Family Services.
“We’re always making small changes to update the program because the world around dads, kids, and families keeps changing. What doesn’t change is kids’ need for supportive, consistent, and loving dads regardless of whether their biological parents are still in a relationship. This group explores real life challenges and gives guys a chance to share solutions and support. We weren’t all given the male role models that we wanted as kids and My Dad’s Group is a chance to make sure that we can show up for our own children in the best way possible,” Farmer added.
The Owen Sound group will start on September 16, and the Hanover group will begin on September 17.
For more information or to register for the program, please visit greybruce.cmha.ca/programs/my-dads-group/ or contact the Men’s Program at 519-372-2720 or via email at mp@cmhagb.org.
