Giving dads a hand

In a recent interview with YPN Executive Director Alejandro Pino, for their “My Why” A YPN Podcast, I was able to touch on some of the reasons that I support YPN programming and how my own experiences as a child, and as a father myself, led me to YPN. I see YPN bridging the gaps for dads in our community as they connect with their children, spouse, friends, family, and each other.

I’m a 60-year-old dad of three, raised in Joliet, Illinois by a great family; I had great parents, two brothers, and we lived in a one-bedroom house, but I feel that I had a great upbringing. We went to a Catholic grade school, went to an all-guys Catholic high school, and then I went to the University of Iowa and where I met my wife, who is from Cedar Rapids. About six years ago, my wife mentioned all the things that YPN was doing for families and thought this would be an organization that I would enjoy volunteering for. It was true!

I enjoy connecting with young people and the energy that the staff and volunteers bring every Thursday night for their prenatal and parenting group nights. In the beginning, I helped in the child care room while parents are in their education classes, and it was great. It brought me back to the days as a stay-at-home dad with my own children. As community needs changed and the groups were expanding to serve the African and Afghan refugee families, I knew that there was more that I could do. It has been good to see the growth, the diversity, the inclusion, and how YPN is breaking down barriers for the families they serve.

This also brought self-reflection to my own life as I saw the variety of families coming to group each week. It opened my eyes to my blessings. Here I am, healthy and lucky to have lived the upbringing that I have. I’ve learned that we may not have the same circumstances but we are here to help each other get through life. We all have the power to impact others.

I have learned that some families are facing many challenges alone. Maybe they don’t have a spouse to help, maybe they don’t have a supportive family, and many of them come to YPN to connect with each other as they go through similar things. I look forward to attending group every Thursday. I feel good on my way home after I give my time. I try my best to bring an energy and positivity that makes the participants feel seen and know that they matter. I work with our dads, talking through their relationships, co-parenting struggles and concerns, and work with them to be open to what is best for their children. We talk about being flexible, supportive, and respectful because their children learn from them. It isn’t always easy, but I remind them that they are not alone.

I am inspired by the families who attend group each week. Many of them face barriers, like language and lack of transportation. Some of them work multiple jobs or are balancing work and school. And after all of that, they take the bus to get to group at Kirkwood with their kids in tow, regardless of the weather or obstacles. They really want to be here with YPN, and that encourages and inspires me, any time that I find myself complaining about any minor inconvenience. I am so proud to support these families and YPN.

For more information about YPN programming and services, and/or for volunteer information, please visit www.ypniowa.org

Mike Glavan, has been an YPN Volunteer since 2018. Listen to Mike’s full podcast and others at www.ypniowa.org/podcast