Right Shift Initiative Targets Responsible Fatherhood

A community-based initiative is seeking to strengthen families by encouraging more men to become active fathers and positive role models.

 

The Right Shift Foundation, in partnership with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), is engaging men in inner city communities through dialogue and outreach aimed at promoting responsibility, accountability, and stronger community relationships.

 

Executive Director of the Right to Shift Foundation, Kevin Wallen, is partnering with the JCF in inner city communities to encourage greater responsibility among men, particularly those not actively involved in fatherhood or positive community roles. The initiative aims to promote accountability, strengthen community ties, and inspire men to become more engaged and supportive figures in the lives of others.

 

Speaking in an interview with CVM News, Wallen outlined the need for practical community interventions and greater support for father figures and male role models.

 

“I've always been one of the ones that sit down and say fathers they don't get the don't get the justice that they deserve. And so, rather than just kind of sitting around and talking about it, I actually wanted to do something about it. When the opportunity came and I started to work with the police, I then decided to work with them to identify fathers within the inner city communities, fathers within the schools, and fathers that go and do some coaching on the side, you know. All of these fathers, the unsung heroes.

 

Wallen also emphasized the importance of community partnerships to deliver practical support and conflict prevention in inner city spaces.

 

“Well, the idea, is that I want to see more conversations like this in the communities. And so, there's all these different stakeholders that are going into the community with the police having these conversations. And they're not only having the conversation, but I feel like the gifts that they're offering can be taken and utilized by the community right away.”

 

He is also urging men to take greater responsibility in their children's lives and said, “It doesn't matter what your baby mother thinks of you. It doesn't matter what anybody thinks of you. Their confidence is shaking when you're not there.  Everything about them is different. A lot of these girls are running into the arms of older men. It’s their father they’re trying to find. It's that stability.”