‘Being a dad saved my life’: How a Milwaukee fatherhood program is changing the narrative

June 19, 2026 - 08:18

Terron Edwards, the founder of Fathers Making Progress, never expected that becoming a father would also become his rescue. But for Edwards and the many Milwaukee dads who walk through the doors of his organization, that is exactly what happened.

Fathers Making Progress is not just a support group. It is a lifeline for men who want to break cycles of absence, poverty, and violence. Edwards started the program after realizing that many fathers in his community felt invisible or judged. They were often seen as deadbeats or threats, not as parents who wanted to be present.

Through workshops, mentorship, and peer support, the program helps dads learn practical skills like co-parenting, financial planning, and emotional regulation. But the deeper work is changing how these men see themselves. "Being a dad saved my life," Edwards said. "It gave me a reason to get up, to stay out of trouble, and to be better."

The program has grown beyond just talking. Dads in the group now organize community cleanups, host events for kids, and mentor younger fathers. They are not just fixing their own families. They are helping to heal their neighborhoods.

For many of these men, the biggest challenge was not a lack of love for their children. It was a lack of support and a history of trauma. Fathers Making Progress gives them a place to be honest about that struggle. One dad shared that before joining, he did not know how to apologize to his kids. Now, he says, he is learning to show up every day.

The work is slow, but the results are real. Fewer fathers are returning to prison. More are showing up to parent-teacher conferences. And the narrative around Black fatherhood in Milwaukee is starting to shift from absence to presence.