The confidence to make changes

Mayor’s Office of Community Services

Anthony Harris

After he was referred to the Mayor's Office of Community Services (MOCS) by the Child Enforcement Unit of Philadelphia Family Court, Anthony Harris enrolled in the Fatherhood Initiative Program in January 2004. He did not have any marketable job skills and was stuck in a cycle of unemployment for well over a year. Economic pressures put a strain on his marriage and Anthony and his wife separated. His wife kept custody of their six children and applied for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in order to support the children. Even with his wife on TANF, Anthony was responsible for child support, something he did not realize. He accumulated a substantial amount of arrearages and could not keep current with his child support.

Anthony attended the MOCS Fatherhood Initiative workshops where he learned to manage the challenges of fatherhood, increase his parenting skills, accept financial responsibility for his children and become a positive force within his family.   

Deborah Bradshaw, Anthony's case manager, worked with him to develop his resume and quickly observed that he was willing to learn and determined to succeed. Anthony came to the office three days a week and quickly increased his computer literacy and set goals to obtain employment.

Within a short time, Anthony developed the confidence to begin applying for various available positions. He interviewed with and was hired at Philadelphia International Airport cleaning airplanes. The Fatherhood Initiative Program provided him with tokens for transportation to and from work until he received his second pay check. A few months later, he transferred to a higher paying driver's position. He began taking responsibility for his family and became a positive role model for his children, even volunteering to represent the Fatherhood Initiative Program at numerous community events.

After two years, Anthony lost his position at the airport as a result of downsizing. He returned to the Fatherhood Initiative office and met again with Deborah. "I was eager to assist him because he was so determined, consistent and respectful," Deborah says.   

Shortly after his visit to the Fatherhood Initiative office, Anthony interviewed for and was offered two positions - one with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and the second with Hatfield Meats. He worked both jobs for a few months until he could decide which one best met his needs. Anthony ultimately selected the position at Hatfield Meats because it offered a better salary and benefits package. He currently works at the company's meat processing plant earning a handsome wage.

As a result of what Anthony learned in his Fatherhood Initiative classes, he immediately began paying his child support arrearages and, as of August 2006, had paid more than half of the total amount and is keeping current with his payments.

Today the Harris family is reunited and Anthony is now caring for his wife of twelve years, Suzanne, and their expanded family of now eight children - Anthony Jr. (17), Siani (8), Tiani (7), Antoine (6), Imani (5), Tasani (3), Amari (2), and Armani (11 months).   Anthony has proven to be an excellent role model for all of his children and the community as well.  

"I appreciate all the help I received from the Fatherhood Initiative Program," said Anthony. "The program has taught me so much about being a responsible father and how important it is to set an example for my children."

Mayor's Office of Community Services is a public Community Action Agency providing services to low-income citizens of   Philadelphia.