COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
In the heart of Columbia it's rare to see dozens of guys marching together.
They're taking a one mile walk with something in common.
They're dads supporting each other as members of the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition.
"They gave me my self esteem and confidence back of wanting to be that dad," said Keito Jordon. "I really dug in to understand that."
Jordon has been walking with the group for 11 years. He contacted the coalition during a time in his life when there was little hope.
He had just gotten out of prison: no job. No direction, with four children to support. His relationships with their mothers were troubled.
"I needed a family, a connection," he said. "Something to show me there was a reason for me to continue because I had given up."
Jordon said the group kept him going. They found him a job, mentors and lessons on parenting.
Program Director Richard Barr says the coalition has helped more than 1700 fathers in the Midlands.
"To see a guy break through, to see a guy come in head down, body bowed," Barr described. "A few months later his head is up. He's employed, and back engaged with his children."
Jordon's son's Keivoghn and Keito Jr. are happy their father is back in their lives.
"We're like this," said Keivoghn as he folded his hands together, fingers linked. "I tell him about everything. I tell him how I feel. He tells me how he feels. We listen to each other. Our relationship is awesome."
Christopher Slygh is two months into the program. He said his relationship is strained with his son's mother.
Not seeing his son in six months makes him emotional.
"I mean, it's because I'm still going through it," said Slygh. "But I still feel like there's going to be an end in sight and that things will get better."
It's a tough journey some of the fathers are taking together. But Jordon tells everyone there's hope on the other side.
"It's amazing man," said Jordon. "It's been a long road. Just life in general. Seeing them has been my biggest success."
The organization says 66% of the fathers in the program improved their relationships with their children.
Midlands Fatherhood Coalition marches in Columbia
