Today we’d like to introduce you to Rodney Lawrence.
Hi Rodney, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It started with my Father who was the best role model that I could ever have. A great Father and Big Community Dad.I believe what attributed to the rest of my journey started with my a job working with Head Start. When I first started work there were no male involvement programs or events taking place in the agency. I attended a Falcons training camp in 2004 when I learn of National All Pro Dad program. I immediately brought the program back to the agency at the East Point location and it took off from there.It went from 1 center having the program to all 16 sites. It was an overwhelming demand for me to come out to schools , churches and conferences which I still do today outside of the All Pro Dad program. In 2006 I was selected All Pro Dad volunteer of the year by The Family First program which base out Tampa and are creators of the All Pro Dad . This lead. to start my on. business in helping
and helping and advocating for Fathers outside of my current job. I started Image Fatherhood Consultants which was for profits businesses in 2009 until I could get my own nonprofit organization established. In the end of 2014 my dream s of being confirmed as nonprofit finally happened. The name was changed to I.M.A.G.E Fatherhood Advisory Group which the word Image stand s for Involving Men Acknowledging Greater Efforts.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely Yes!! When you 1st start off , you have to get donations. You grants , community partners, churches and schools to connect and buy into your program.. The stats show that most nonprofit have to sustain the first 2 years of existence even to continue on. Most donors will not donate to a new start up. Program without any proven connections or a proven record will not obtain grants .it is very hard in getting people to donate to Fatherhood groups because of their perception of Men in our society and the view maybe not having great relationships with some of our partners/ wives. I have over the years some grants from bigger name companies like Federal Home Banks loan , Annie Casey Foundation and Ga. Power. More is always needed to continue effective work in our communities. You really need the grassroots donations which is even harder to obtain through regular everyday individuals. They love your work but will not even donate a $1 to your organization.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
During my past work experiences, I have worked with Juvenile offenders,Basic needs, psychiatric people, public schools and. Head Start. I am a Father of two that major in sociology. I feels that work experience along with being the past Chair of the Men’s Ministry over a decade at Union Grove Baptist church sets me apart along with being well rounded to speak to men and male youth about the Fatherhood journey.
I work with Fathers and young males. I work all fathers without any age requirements..I work with young males from the 5th through the 10th in my Young Program. I work with these group of people through committed partnerships with public schools and churches.
The Father focus in advocating about rights for their child, being knowledgeable about Child development , education about being better fathers and having in person support groups.
The Young males focus is provide the 4- E’s : Exposure, Experience,,Educate and Evolve.This area of my organization takes place with the school and churches by taking males into my program to give them opportunities to gain exposure and experiences outside of communities to show them bigger and better things outside of the area that they live in through outings , speakers and mentors. All of the work is done through volunteers that have great hearts and spirits to give back to produce a productive child to become a positive adult. IMAGE works of the words of Fredrick Douglas : It is Easier to Mend Younger Boys than Broken Men.
I am most proud of being married and the father of two and winning the Community Hero award from the Atlanta Falcons. Which is my favorite football team and have been season ticket holder for over 20 years and a fan for 40years.The call I received from my works with males from the Atlanta Falcons is something I am the most proudest and forever grateful!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
They can call 770 847-0533 or email lawrencerod70@gmail.com.
Any good resources that can helpour
males financially, being a sponsor , become a mentor from a partnering schools, churches
or volunteer at one of our special events without trying to obtain community service hours as a requirement. Monetary and no monetary donations are also welcomed because we are a 501(3)c nonprofit.
Pricing:
- Image Fatherhood Fundraiser shirt range from $15-20
- Our Young Kings Fundraising shirts -$15
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Imagefatherhood.net
- Instagram: Imagefatherhood
- Facebook: Image Fatherhood
