We’ve talked before about the Albuquerque Community Foundation’s change in grantmaking to focus on realigning our grants to organizations providing access to economic opportunities.

PB&J Family Services was one of the organizations that for years had received grants. This non-profit is the only program in the area to provide intensive wrap-around services for children and their parents, including parenting education. PB&J’s philosophy focuses efforts on the family as a unit, as well as on individual family members.

When we announced that our grantmaking criteria were changing, PB&J came to us for support of their Fathers Building Futures program. This economic development initiative for previously incarcerated fathers, has, since 2011, demonstrated the potential to improve both relationships within families and provide a path for these men to reach personal and professional goals that will sustain them and their families.

Tragically, 10% New Mexico children have a parent who is incarcerated or on probation. The New Mexico Corrections Department reports that 95% of those currently in prison will return home. Albuquerque, as the largest metropolitan area in the state, is the primary destination. The prison records of these (mostly) men, often prevent them from finding work. Too often, they also have low self-esteem, no work skills, and little or no experience as a parent. That’s where Fathers Building Futures comes in.

The Foundation’s grant supports training and mentorship for returned fathers to learn skills like woodworking, auto detailing, freight handling and delivery, as well as continued support for teaching parenting skills.

The program’s success is impressive: A 50% reduction in recidivism of those enrolled in the program. An increase in participants’ earning power, sense of civic and fatherhood responsibility, and financial support of the family. Since the program’s inception, more than 225 men now have stable jobs. They are supporting their families with more than $65,000 in child support. Several have started their own businesses and hired others.

We believe in supporting people who are eager to work and learn. We believe in collaborating with people and organizations who are taking hold of the future of Albuquerque with big ideas and the tenacity to see them through. Fathers Building Futures is one of those ideas and organizations.

For more information about Fathers Building Futures, visit http://fathersbuildingfutures.org/