Valuable Lessons Learned through The Children’s Village IMPACT Program

June 2025

At The Children’s Village, we’re proud to offer over 30 programs designed to keep children and families together.

This Father’s Day, we want to celebrate a truly inspiring journey of fatherhood and hope. Meet Bryan and his son, Jalen, whose story shines as a testament to growth, love, and the power of second chances through our Project IMPACT fatherhood program.

Project IMPACT (Interventions to Maintain Parents and Children Together) – is comprised of four programs, which include a fatherhood program. It supports families who have faced challenges that temporarily separated them, helping dads like Bryan reconnect and rebuild strong bonds with their children.

At just 23 years old, Bryan was a new dad navigating the early hurdles of parenting his one-year-old son, Jalen. When concerns about Jalen’s health arose, Bryan and his family faced an unexpected challenge: Child Protective Services became involved to ensure Jalen’s well-being. But instead of turning their family apart, this moment became the beginning of a new chapter.

Thanks to the family court’s compassionate decision, Jalen stayed close to home under the care of Bryan’s mother while Bryan began a transformative journey with IMPACT’s year-long fatherhood program. At first, Bryan wasn’t sure about the program — “I just wanted it to be over,” he said. But with the support of his dedicated instructor, Mr. Somerville, Bryan gradually embraced the opportunity to grow.

Through honest reflection and new lessons, Bryan learned to understand what it truly means to be a present and nurturing dad. He discovered how to balance guiding Jalen’s interests while also giving him freedom to explore the world. “When I realized it wasn’t about me, everything changed,” Bryan said. “My focus became doing well in IMPACT and being there for Jalen.”

Mr. Somerville watched Bryan’s transformation with pride: “He was like a kid in a candy shop when it came to learning — he was always inquisitive, always open to trying new things, and ready to build a better future for his son.”

In December, Bryan proudly graduated from IMPACT. With ongoing support, he is now one step closer to full reunification with Jalen, building a loving home.

This Father’s Day Weekend, Bryan and Jalen will return to The Children’s Village campus to celebrate alongside other IMPACT graduates — fathers and children reunited and thriving because of the commitment and care of this remarkable program.

Their story is a beautiful reminder that with support, dedication, and love, families can heal, grow, and stay together.