Letters

D.A.D.S. and its founder, Marvin Charles, have received the following endorsements or letters:

Washington State Senator Jim Kastama

"It is my pleasure to serve as a reference for the D.A.D.S. Program and the director, Marvin Charles...."

Washington State Senator Adam Kline

"Clearly, divorce is hard on children. And complicating the situation, some parents may deny or discourage visitation by the noncustodial parent. This is not in the best interests of the child, who may suffer from unresolved grief and loss issues from the resulting enforced separation."

 

King County Executive Ron Sims

"I believe the work of organization such as D.A.D.S. is essential to the well-being of our children and our society.  We must continue to help raise awareness of problems effecting fatherless children in our communities.  I would specially like to thank Marvin and Jeanett Charles for their vision and leadership on this important issue."

Norm Rice, former mayor of Seattle

"I had the honor over a year ago of listening to a wonderful story of tragedy, courage, redemption and reward. It was the story of Marvin Charles, a man I hold in high regard, and his struggle to regain his life and family. He succeeded."

Mary F. Massey, Policy Analyst for the Washington State Employment Security Department

"Marvin's work proves to the human services system that non-custodial fathers can succeed. Through courage and dedication, Marvin has helped fathers find their own strengths and find harmony in their lives. Marvin shows fathers how to build healthy relationships with their families, and how to work within the system for positive interactions with organizations. This has had a mushroom effect as the dads Marvin has helped in turn, help other dads."

Dr. Ken Canfield, President and Founder, National Center for Fathering

"With a tremendous spirit of enthusiasm, I am pleased to write this letter of endorsement for Marvin Charles and the D.A.D.S. Program...."

Ronald D. Nichols, Director of Training, National Center for Fathering

"...I observed Marvin in informal and formal situations. He has a deeply held conviction about the importance of fathers and families. Marvin's sincerity and commitment to helping others is a strong attribute in connecting with men on deeply personal issues."

Joan Sharp, Oct 2000, as Director, The Children's Initiative, United Way of King County

"The purpose of this letter is to state my very sincere admiration for Marvin Charles as a person, and my very positive expectations for the outcomes of the work he plans to do through the DADS Project."

Joan Sharp, July 2002, as Executive Director, Washington Council for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

"It is with great confidence that I can recommend D.A.D.S. to the community - fathers, families, adocates, service providers, funders, community organizations, businesses, policy makers and others who have a stake in increasing healthy fathering - for support."

David Okimoto, August 2001, as Executive Director, Atlantic Street Center

"Mr. Charles has been an inspiration to all of the people he has come in contact with here at the Atlantic Street Center (ASC)."

David Okimoto, August 2002, as Vice President, Community Services for United Way of King County

"I believe DADS is an excellent organization with an inspirational leader in Marvin Charles."

Jamie Bohnett, Director, Bohnett Memorial Foundation and Northwest Fathering Forum

"I heartily recommend Marvin Charles to you as a man who WILL make a difference in the lives of the men he touches."

Marvin & Jeanett were also featured in the Fall, 2001 Newsletter, Fanning The Flame.

Amy Paschane, M.S., Case Manager/Play Therapist, Childhaven - John Wilson Branch

"I enthusiastically applaud [Marvin Charles'] hard work and support his worthy mission, a mission overflowing with promise and purpose."

Rebecca Clark, Dearborn Park Elementary

(Discusses the improvements in Marvin Charles, Jr's life as his father got involved)

Mary Correa, Van Asselt Elementary

(Discusses the improvements in Jeffrey's behavior and performance after being returned to his family. Jeffrey is one of Marvin's children)

Denis O'Leary, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, King County, Washington

"The King County Prosecutor's Office supports your goal to assist estranged fathers to become positive, financially responsible, parents."

Larry G. Walker, Regional Administrator, Seattle Field Office, Region 4, Division of Child Support

"...our office fully supports your work and is willing to offer assistance to your program..."