CLAY COUNTY — There are many characteristics that model a good dad. 

Being present, patient, unconditional and always showing up when your children need you the most. But the reality of just what it takes to tackle fatherhood is more complex than most realize.

In today's world, challenges often riddle the live of fathers around the world.  From financial responsibilities and work-life balance, to nurturing strong relationships and maintaining mental health.

But Fatherhood PRIDE is working to make sure the needs of dads are brought to the forefront. And the ability to find "Dad Confidence" is at reach.

"The confidence in finding your parenting voice is something that a lot of men struggle with if they have already deferred that mom is the boss as the parent," said Barry Dukes, Director of Fatherhood PRIDE.

The program is a part of the Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition (NFHSC), a driving force behind healthier beginnings for families across the region.

Offering free comprehensive resources for new dads and mothers, they are able to gain essential parenting skills, build confidence and create stronger relationships with their children.

Fatherhood PRIDE alone has boosted the engagement and capacity of thousands of dads, experienced fathers, grandfathers and stepfathers since its inception three decades ago. 

The belief that tough masculinity defines fatherhood dates back centuries, Dukes said, often leading to skewed perceptions of what it means to be present in a child's life. Often believing that they are the secondary provider, many struggle with parenting confidence and even vulnerability.

"It's one of those things where no one can hear you scream. Sometimes dads are uncertain about how they fit in with the new normal of their first child or additional children. It's just the mental and psychological."

Fatherhood PRIDE's 24/7 Dads program is an 8–to-10-week session course focusing specifically on essential characteristics like leadership skills, discipline strategies and emotional intelligence. For two-hours at New Dad Bootcamp, fathers are also able to delve into newborn care and peer support.

And the Inside-Out Dad program is specifically designed for incarcerated fathers to get the parenting skills needed while in prison and after release. 

"Those are the things that we do to provide dad's education that covers everything from emotional awareness, family history and parenting traditions you learned that you may need to unlearn. We just try to make sure that dads are trying to grow as parents."

A lot of the times, Dukes said, insecurities can arise in many fathers who feel their current circumstances may not be allowing them to adequately provide for their household. Many have a glaring need to seek employment or obtain higher salary jobs.

Another aspect of Fatherhood PRIDE is offering employment assistance.

"The idea that they're not doing enough usually spurs some of the things that you might see in the world where crime comes out of a deficit," he said.

"We help them with that, whether it's mock interviews, resume building, financial literacy classes. We try to cover the whole gamut to try to make sure the dad as a whole is being supported." 

Coming out of the program, dads are often left with a renewed spirit. Some obtain certificates of occupation, gain back their parental rights and even end up obtaining full custody of their children. 

"We've also seen dads be happier and more engaged with their children," Dukes said.

The overall goal of the NFHSC is to decrease infant and maternal mortality rates in Northeast Florida. Building a healthier home is a part of that, Dukes said, and it starts with making sure parents are empowered.

"Society is much better when parents, whether its blended or traditional, are able to pour into their children from a healthy space."

To get involved or learn more about Fatherhood PRIDE, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages or go to nefhealthystart.org.