UpNext
was busy this holiday season! We began our celebration by hosting our annual
Thanksgiving lunch for our current program participants and alumni. These
events allow for current dad participants to engage with alumni who provide
advice and share their post UpNext experience. UpNext
staff and participants gathered around a decorated table to eat, laugh, and
embrace one another. A special thank you to Balducci’s and the Corner Café for
donating sides and a delicious turkey! Among our guests were UpNext alumni
employed at Time Square Alliance, our transitional employment partner. These
alumni shared their past experiences as UpNext participants, and how the
program enabled them to develop the passion and diligence to succeed at Time
Square Alliance. They encouraged our job-seeking fathers to remain patient,
dedicated, and
focused while participating at UpNext.
Although in the beginning, some fathers in the room were unfamiliar with
one another, they all immediately developed bonds that reflected the true
spirit of Thanksgiving. 
December
soon came after and to close out the we also held our annual holiday party for
UpNext dads, their co-parents, and children. A big special thank you to AT&T Northern
NJ Leadership Team for donating toys for our UpNext children! The party was
filled with good conversations and food! After eating, the children participated in fun
arts-and-crafts activities. Everyone in our room was festive and holiday-theme
music gave the atmosphere a merry vibe. It was a wonderful feeling watching our
fathers leave the party happy and in the comfort of their loved ones.
These
parties and the smiles they brought to the faces of our fathers and their
families remind us of the reason why our program matters. We at UpNext hope
that our fathers spent a safe and memorable holiday season with their families.
We also wish them and our readers, a Happy New Years!
