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Matthew Hester had it rough before he got involved with Brothers United.
He had his first child at the age of 18, yet without a job
and without direction, he initially faced many challenges
along his journey of fatherhood.
“I didn’t get my
first job until I was about 25. It was rough, me staying
with her mom, my mom, family members. I used to have to
panhandle for diapers. It was rough at first.”
Though having a child so young was tough, Hester learned that he had a
responsibility and he had to step up to become a better
man.
Hester heard about Brothers United through a cousin who attended the
program. He called and set up an entrance appointment, and
then joined the program because there were more
opportunities for fathers to grow.
When he joined the program, Hester had a job, but he soon realized BU
could help him with so much more.
Hester expressed that seeing other male parents that were in their
children’s and having a group that supported men who were
all going through some of the same things was beneficial to
his role as a father.
Brothers United taught him how to co-parent better and understand how
the relationship with the co-parent affects the children.
Mr. Hester said he now co-parents well.
He shared that life after BU has been great. He’s been working at
McDonald’s going on two years now and continues to flourish
as a father.
“Brothers United really helped me be a better man for my babies. The
life I grew up in, I just knew that once I had a family, I
was gone be there for them regardless.”
If you are
interested in joining The Brothers United Program or have
someone you want to refer : Call us at (4199) 279-6297 or
www.pathwaytoledo.org
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