El Paso Center for Children pitches fatherhood program to Socorro council; staff offer city venues

The City of Socorro heard a presentation on March 6 from the El Paso Center for Children about a grant-funded fatherhood program that offers group and individualized services for fathers and father figures in El Paso County.

"My name is Jose Alamillo, and I am the program manager for the fatherhood effects program," Jose Alamillo told the council as he described three program elements: short "parent cafe" support groups, an eight-week Circles of Security parenting curriculum, and a longer "empath mobility" case-management track focused on financial stability. Alamillo said the goal is to increase father involvement because "when fathers are involved in their kids' lives, kids do better in school. Kids are healthier."

Alamillo explained the program can serve biological fathers, stepfathers, grandparents and other "father figures," is free to participants, and offers services in English and Spanish. He said enrollee services include parenting classes, family counseling, a runaway shelter for youth, and short-term financial assistance or referrals for things such as commercial driver's-license testing and GED expenses.

Council members and staff offered practical support. Councilwoman Irene Rojas thanked the presenter and asked about current enrollment; Alamillo said the program team of three had begun classes in November and was serving about 20 men, and that city-hosted meeting space, scheduling help and outreach through city channels would help recruit larger groups. City staff and the police chief offered conference rooms and other local facilities as potential sites for the program.

Alamillo distributed program information and asked the council to consider partnership opportunities, including marketing through city websites and cooperation with schools, churches and local agencies to recruit participants.