T.E.A.M. Dad: Giving Okeechobee Fathers Tools for Success

Fatherhood today looks different than it did decades ago. Studies from the Pew Research Center and numerous other organizations show that fathers are becoming more actively engaged in their children’s lives, with dads spending significantly more time in caregiving and household activities than previous generations did. This shift reflects a broader cultural recognition of the vital role fathers play not just financially, but emotionally and developmentally in their children’s lives.

In Okeechobee, the T.E.A.M. Dad program is helping fathers meet this evolution with the resources and knowledge they need to build healthy futures for their families. T.E.A.M. Dad—which stands for Teaching, Empowering, Advocating, and Mentoring—is a free initiative offered through the Healthy Start Coalition of Okeechobee that equips fathers and father figures with the tools they need to thrive as parents. The program offers practical parenting and co-parenting education, supports child development, and helps men build stronger family and community relationships while enhancing workforce stability and personal growth.

Being an active father is linked to positive outcomes for children of all ages. Dads who take an engaged role in parenting contribute to better emotional well-being, school readiness and success, and healthier family dynamics. T.E.A.M. Dad meets fathers where they are, offering encouragement, education, and community so they can be confident and present in their children’s lives.

Whether you’re expecting your first child or want to strengthen the connection you already have with your kids, T.E.A.M. Dad supports your goals and the goals of your family.

Take the next step: To enroll in the T.E.A.M. Dad program and begin the journey toward purposeful, empowered fatherhood, contact Fatherhood Educator Ja’Quan Bentley Sr. today. Fill out the interest form on our website to get in touch and learn more.