This powerful, practice-centered session blends video, storytelling, and interactive dialogue to illuminate the lived realities behind father absence—and the proven pathways to restoration. Drawing on more than 26 years of work at DADS (Divine Alternatives for Dads Services), Marvin Charles outlines practical, replicable strategies that help fathers move from "ground zero" to engaged, effective parenting.

Participants will explore how DADS pairs accountability with compassion, integrates faith-informed hope with trauma-aware supports, and uses mentoring, skill-building, and systems navigation to reconnect fathers with their children. The workshop also highlights how community partnerships (courts, corrections, social services, and faith communities) can reduce barriers and accelerate reunification.

Rooted in Marvin's personal journey "from ruin to restoration," the session frames father engagement as both a healing practice and a systems-change strategy.
Attendees leave with a clearer understanding of what truly works—from intake to coaching to long-term support—and with actionable ideas to build or strengthen father-serving programs in their own communities.