29-05-2025
Barre based organization aims to support fathers
BARRE, Vt (ABC22/FOX44) – In the granite city, a new organization is putting parents – specifically fathers – in the spotlight.
A father of four, Josh Miller had his first son at 19.
'Being a part of my sons life was really important to me because I didn't have that growing up' Miller explains.
Raised by a single mother, Miller spent much of his early parenting years a single father himself.
'I loved it, but there was a lot about parenting I didn't know,' Miller recalls.
He went on to have multiple careers working with vulnerable and at-risk Vermonters, including serving as the executive director of The Family Room in Burlington's old north end.
'A lot of those guys didn't have their dads, or maybe they weren't the best role model for them.'
It's through this work Miller was inspired to start Vermont Fatherhood – a community space for fathers to learn and support one another on their parenting journey.
'If you have all the things you need, parenting is still hard,' says Miller. 'Relationships are hard, co-parenting is hard, and so to have a space where you can go to when things get bad or stressful to get some support makes a huge difference.'
Vermont Fatherhood offers various different programs, all aimed at helping fathers show up not only for their kids, but for themselves.
'We've got a couple playgroups on Monday's and Friday's, and story time on Wednesday,' says Miller.
He also offers a 'training camp' for new dads, drop-in groups, and one-on-one coaching.
'Just come, play, hang out, relax – I'll have some coffee going and guys just get to connect with other guys.'
Those interested in learning more about Vermont Fatherhood are welcome to stop by the center – 124 North Main Street in Barre, or visit their website here.
'We need each other to say 'hey, take a breath, jump in there a do those dishes…hearing that from other people helps make me a better dad and I can offer things to them as well. The we've got a whole group of guys supporting each other.'
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