"I know what it's like to be behind:" Milwaukee's Fatherhood Summit provides support, resources for dads

MILWAUKEE -- Empowering Milwaukee dads to be the best fathers they can be. Hundreds got help with everything from child support to job placement at Milwaukee's 10th annual Fatherhood Summit on October 16th and 17th.

Fatherhood Summit

Alaysha Sloan is the only child in the room, full of hundreds of men.

One has her heart.

"He does things for me and he tries his best," she said.

She's talking about her dad, Curtis.

"I know what it's like to be behind," said Curtis Sloan.

Sloan is at the Fatherhood Summit for the second year in a row.

"We want to tell them that no matter where you are in your life, you can play a positive role in your children's lives," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

The event, put on by the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative and the Social Development Commission, connects dads with resources to be better parents.

Fatherhood Summit

"We need to as men, begin to get involved in not only our children`s life, our family life, but in our community," said George Hinton, CEO of the Social Development Commission.

Sloan is at the summit to deal with outstanding tickets so he can keep his driver's license.

He also got help with paying his child support.

"Everything I can get to make sure it is helping me with her, I try to use it," he said.

The Milwaukee Fatherhood Summit draws about 1,000 dads each year. Over the last ten years, that means they have been able to help 10,000 fathers.

"When we can reconnect single dads with their families, crime for all of us goes down, we have a better economy, better unemployment, it`s a win for everybody," said Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele.

Fatherhood Summit

Whatever the obstacle, Sloan won't give up on himself, to be there for Alaysha.

"To make sure she is okay, and to provide a good life for her," said Sloan.

The summit continues through Sunday, October 17th from 8 a.m .to noon, at the Destiny Youth Plaza (7210 N 76th Street, Milwaukee).

The event is free and you can register at the door.