Program Participant Spotlight: Johnny Arcangel, Fatherhood Initiative

When were you in the Fatherhood Program? 

It was July and August of last year, and I was there for three months. It was a good program. I learned a lot of stuff, like about my anger. I used to think it had control of me, but I don’t need that. They teach you stuff like how to walk away from different situations before you get in trouble, and they teach you how to react before you make a mistake. 

How many kids do you have?

I have four kids: 27, 23, 16, and 15.

Has the Fatherhood Program changed your relationship with them at all?

Unfortunately with the two little ones, I haven’t been able to see them for two years.

Are you hoping to see them again in the future?

Yeah, hopefully. They said they’re not ready to see me, but I went through this whole process because I want to see my kids again.

That’s why you did the program?

Yes. 

How many other dads were in the classes with you?

There were over 20, but some people didn’t finish, so we ended up with 15 or 18. Something like that.

Did you get to talk to each other much?

Yes. We met up two times during the program, but most of it was online, over video. We got to talk to the guy who was in charge – the guy who was giving us the class – and he would let us talk. We had conversations during the class, and we would talk about our situations, like ‘This happened,’ or, ‘Oh, that happened to me.’ We shared during the class. 

It must be nice to hear what other people are going through.

Yes because we were there for a reason. We’re all trying to go through the process.

When you think about fatherhood, what comes to mind for you?

Being a dad is just my life. I used to be the type of guy who thought life was only having fun – wanting to go out and do this, do that and not worry about anyone else. But when I became a dad, my life changed a lot. Now, you have another reason to get home; you want to see your kids and spend time with your kids. 

What is your relationship like with your dad?

My father was raised in the Dominican Republic. He was really strict, and as I grew up, I realized why he was like that. Me and my father, if you see us when we’re together, you’d be surprised because we joke around like we’re brothers. Me and my father have beautiful communication. We can talk about everything without me thinking like, ‘Oh, if I say this to my father, he’s gonna get mad at me.’ We’re open. We talk about everything and we joke. I have a great relationship with my father. 

Is the goal to eventually be able to see all of your kids regularly and have relationships with all of them?

Yes, this program was a step toward that.