Blog
The Legacy of Fatherhood: Nurturing Hope in Child Welfare
Each month, A Second Chance, Inc. (ASCI) strives to elevate the voices of its families, advocating for their needs and creating a nurturing environment where they can flourish. This month, we had the privilege of conversing with ASCI workers William Toliver and Isaiah Gonzalez about the significance of fatherhood in the realm of child welfare.
In the realm of child welfare, few roles carry as much significance and influence as that of a father. William Toliver, Family Services Transportation Worker, and Isaiah Gonzalez, High Impact Unit Worker IV, exemplify this commitment through their dedicated roles at ASCI.
William Toliver radiates a deep sense of commitment and love for his family and community. Reflecting on the joys of fatherhood, William shares, “At my age, I love when my kids come around me or call me, letting me know they still care. I just love to hear from my kids.” His devotion to his children underscores the simple yet profound joys of connection and presence.
Recalling a pivotal moment with his daughter, William fondly reminisces, “I was so proud when she graduated from Penn State. I was there. I am so proud of her.” This moment highlights William’s pride in his children’s achievements, celebrating their milestones with unwavering support.
In his work at ASCI, William emphasizes the importance of building trust through genuine connections: “Talk to them. Have great conversations. Build up your youth at work and at home.” His approach is rooted in authenticity and empathy, fostering relationships that empower and support the children and families he serves.
To fellow fathers and grandfathers, William offers a poignant piece of advice: “Love your children. Love your grandkids.” This foundational principle underscores his life’s work, advocating for love and care as pillars of family and community.
Isaiah Gonzalez, another pillar in the field of child welfare, echoes William’s dedication to family and community through his roles as a father and a compassionate advocate. Isaiah finds profound fulfillment in being a dependable presence for his children: “What I enjoy most about being a father is being someone that my kids can depend on. I enjoy watching them grow, spending time with them.”
Recently celebrating his son’s achievement of a Division I football scholarship, Isaiah reflects proudly on his role as a guiding force in his children’s lives. Parenthood has imparted invaluable lessons as Isaiah explains, “It helped me become more responsible and slowed me down.”
Inspired by his mother’s community service, Isaiah found his calling in child welfare, driven by a desire to make a positive impact: “Her program helped me. Through my mother’s impact, I just wanted to give back.” His experiences as a father enhance his empathy and patience in his professional interactions, guiding his approach to mentorship and support.
Isaiah’s resilience shines through in stories of triumph amidst adversity: “I’ve had a couple of youth that were victims of gun violence and two of them actually went on to go to school.” These experiences underscore Isaiah’s commitment to nurturing resilience and hope in the lives of vulnerable youth.
Managing the emotional demands of his work, Isaiah emphasizes self-care and prioritization: “Taking time for myself helps me stay calm.” His ability to maintain a positive outlook amidst challenges reflects his dedication to both his family and his professional role.
As a father and a mentor, Isaiah believes in the transformative power of trust and consistency: “A little goes a long way, and trust is built over time.” His journey exemplifies the profound impact fathers can have, fostering growth and resilience in the children and families they support.
Together, William Toliver and Isaiah Gonzalez embody the essence of generational fatherhood—where love, dedication, and service intersect to shape lives and build communities. Their stories remind us of the enduring impact of family bonds and compassionate service in child welfare. As fathers and advocates, they inspire us to cherish our roles, nurture relationships, and foster hope for future generations. Through their unwavering commitment and compassionate approach, they exemplify how fathers can positively influence and uplift the lives of children and families, both within their own homes and in the broader community they serve.