Marvin and Jeanett charles started D.A.D.S. in their living room in 1998. They wanted to apply the lessons they had learned during their own recovery and the rough period when they put their family back together. They had been homeless, unemployed addicts with a 'sketchy' life of those who operated beyond the reach of the formal economy. They had lost several of their children to the foster care system, under the jurisdiction of the Washington State Child Protective Services (CPS). They were facing termination of parental rights when a CPS worker gave them a 90- day deadline to become sober, find housing and employment. They took strength from their renewed religious beliefs in the saving power of Jesus and their commitment to each other.

Today, a decade later, they await the birth of their daughter Jamie Michelle, due February 2009. They live in their own home with three daughters and a son. A former CPS caseworker works part-time in the office as administrative assistant to Jeanett. So much has changed since 1998, while so much has remained the same for fathers coming out of prision. D.A.D.S. works with fathers, one dad at a time to change family history.