U.S. Census figures indicate that over 18 million children live in households with only their mother, and one in every four American adolescents is growing up without a father.
A study by the U.S. Department of Justice revealed that children from fatherless homes account for 63% of youth suicides, 70% of incarcerated juveniles, 75% of adolescent patients in substance abuse centers, and 90% of all homeless and runaway youth. What’s more, when fathers are involved, their children are twice as likely to go to college and 75% less likely to experience teen pregnancy.
While the reasons for a father’s absence vary, the Man 2 Man program works to make a difference where it can. Founded in 1999, the Bennettsville and Florence-based non-profit offers area dads a free, comprehensive fatherhood program; employment coaching; help navigating the child support system; and even mediation with the child’s mother or other family members.
On July 21, MEC’s Power to Serve committee was honored to present Man 2 Man with a $2000 check, enough to support one dad through the six-month fatherhood coaching program.
The Power to Serve committee raises money through charitable fundraising and returns it the communities we serve.
Over the years, we have purchased coats for local elementary students in need, distributed valentines to individuals at the Marlboro County Council on Aging, and recently helped Scotland Memorial purchase much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff members helping to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
While the MEC Power to Serve committee is honored to contribute, Man 2 Man values your support. If you are in a position to give, we urge you to donate at https://www.man2manfathers.com/donate/ or by mailing a check to:
Man 2 Man
110 South Parsonage Street
Bennettsville, SC 29512
If you are unable to help financially, volunteers are needed to serve as mentors, facilitate group meetings or assist with events and fundraisers.
For more information or to learn about obtaining Man 2 Man services, contact the Bennettsville office at (843)-479-4177.
