Twice a month, Wes, Adam, Michael and Dave meet up as part of the Dads on the North Shore peer support group. The first time they meet, it’s just the guys, but the second time, it’s the dads and their young children. With almost 50,000 families on the North Shore, this unique United Way-funded group is a hit with single, stay-at-home, and dual income dads. Since its creation in January, this volunteer-driven program has grown from 40 members to 230.
Co-Facilitator and Founder Wes McVey started the group to give North Shore dads the opportunity to connect so that they can be the best parents they can be and so that their kids can grow up great.
At the bi-monthly get-togethers, the dads exchange advice, tips and have frank conversations about the joys and travails of parenting. Many of these discussions also take place online through the group’s Facebook page. Kid-friendly activities and advice for new and soon-to-be-dads are hot topics.
“The big thing for many guys, me included, is not liking to admit they’re having problems – feeling lost – losing control,” says group participant, Dave. “Knowing you’re not alone can be a huge relief.”
Dads on the North Shore grew out of the North Shore Connect for Kids Planning Tables’ Early Years Vulnerability Project and was funded in part by United Way.