KEEPING FAMILIES CLOSE By Julia M. Johnson
LATE FOUNDER HALBERT SULLIVAN (LEFT) WITH A PROGRAM GRADUATE
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N APRIL, THE FATHERS & FAMILIES SUPPORT CENTER supportive of each other and are committed to honoring his (FFSC) UNEXPECTEDLY LOST ITS FOUNDER AND CEO, legacy,” Tillis says. Since its founding, the organization has HALBERT SULLIVAN, LEAVING COLLEAGUES TO MOURN provided services to 18,000 fathers and made a difference HIS PASSING AND MAKE PLANS TO RECOGNIZE HIS MANY in the lives of more than 45,000 children. Tillis says the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges CONTRIBUTIONS. Sullivan, who struggled with substance use and incarceration as a young man, launched the nonprofit over the past year, but the organization has weathered them in 1997 after realizing that many St. Louis parents needed effectively. “We already had the technology for people to participate in programs remotely, including monitors and help keeping their families together. Today, Sullivan’s organization serves hundreds of men cameras,” she explains. “We were able to continue all of our and women each year through parenting education, legal classes via Zoom, so we actually never had to shut down.” She adds that the future holds exciting possibilities for and community re-entry services, employment counseling, the organization. “We are planning youth development and other to increase outreach about our critical programs. Now based in new employment services,” she says. downtown headquarters, the center “We want people to know that originally served mostly fathers, but we are here and can assist them a recent name change reflects its in choosing a new career path evolving commitment to mothers through training and placement. and youth as well. FFSC’s mission is This is especially important now, supported by research that shows as many St. Louisans have suffered children of involved parents are more job losses due to the pandemic.” likely to finish school and enjoy happy, Tillis says the center, which productive lives. recently opened a second location Executive vice president and COO in East St. Louis, is transitioning Cheri Tillis was named acting CEO to back to in-person programs based keep the organization’s programs on on current safety guidelines. track, and she says there has been no She says staff members hope to interruption in services for families. ACTING CEO CHERI TILLIS increase the number of parents “The sudden loss of Mr. Sullivan caught and families served in the coming our staff off guard, but we have been TOWN&style
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JUNE 2, 2021
months. “We are interested in attracting more people from areas like south St. Louis,” she says. “We also are adding more virtual offerings to suit young people and moms, many of whom are busy coordinating family needs from home.” In the meantime, fun programs like movie nights and virtual celebrations have offered a welcome respite for clients. According to Tillis, positive feedback from families has provided important encouragement for FFSC staff, especially over the last year. “For dads, the greatest worry is usually that they won’t be able to provide for their families, and parents also feel stress over child visitation and custody proceedings,” she says. “They are grateful for all of the ways we can help them stay connected to their kids.” &
A MEMORIAL CELEBRATION HONORING HALBERT SULLIVAN IS PLANNED FOR JUNE 16 IN FOREST PARK, AND FFSC’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GOLF TOURNAMENT IS OCT. 16. VISIT FATHERSSUPPORTCENTER.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FFSC
