Sponsor our work, volunteer your time, or give — every contribution helps DADS provide free services to fathers working to reconnect with their children. GET INVOLVED It takes community. Whether you have time, resources, or a network to share, there's a way to stand with fathers and families working to reconnect. Sponsor/Partner Thank you to the community partners and sponsors who make our work possible. Interested in partnering with DADS? View More PARTNER Volunteer Volunteers help DADS reach more fathers and families. Sign up to hear about new volunteer opportunities and get reminders so you never miss one. Volunteers help DADS reach more fathers and families. View More VOLUNTEER Donate Make a tax-deductible donation to support fathers and families. Other ways to give: DADS-branded merchandise, AmazonSmile, and sharing your DADS story. View More DONATE THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS READ MORE FROM OUR FOUNDERS Becoming DADS: A Mission to Restore Absent Fathers Marvin's own story of moving from absent father to founder, and the practical strategies born from that journey. It's the origin story behind everything DADS does today. Read More Becoming Dads: Facilitator Guide The companion leader's edition for anyone facilitating the Becoming Dads curriculum. It gives facilitators the structure and guidance to run the 13-week course in their own community. Read More Doing DADS: Intake and Support Manual A resource for other nonprofits and case workers looking to build their own fatherhood support and intake process. It draws on DADS' own operational model to help organizations replicate what's worked. Read More Ser Padres (Participant Guide, Spanish edition) La edición en español de nuestra Guía del Participante, que ofrece a los padres de habla hispana el mismo libro de trabajo utilizado a lo largo del curso Becoming Dads. Read More Becoming Dads: Participant Guide The workbook fathers use throughout our 13-week Becoming Dads fatherhood course. It walks participants through the same practical skills and honest conversations that anchor the class. READ MORE A DADS Revolution: Pass It On A collection of real stories from the men of DADS, showing what becomes possible when fathers are given the chance to change. It's a follow-up to Becoming DADS, carrying the mission forward through the voices of the fathers themselves. Read More Ser Padres (Facilitator Guide, Spanish edition) La edición en español de nuestra Guía del Facilitador, creada para ayudar a facilitadores de habla hispana a impartir el mismo currículo de 13 semanas. Read More Ser Padres: Una Misión para Restaurar Padres Ausentes La propia historia de Marvin sobre su transformación de padre ausente a fundador, y las estrategias prácticas nacidas de ese viaje. Es la historia de origen detrás de todo lo que DADS hace hoy. Read More

D.A.D.S. Internship Locations in Seattle & Lakewood/Tacoma Read below for more information or Apply Now About Through an internship with Divine Alternatives for Dads Services (D.A.D.S.), we invite four young adults (22-30) to explore their own journey of transformation as they learn to follow Jesus in his redemptive mission of restoring fathers to the fatherless. While fatherlessness has many devastating effects and symptoms that cost society over 100 Billion/ year , we would invite interns to join us in apprenticing around a model that has proven successful in addressing the problem of fatherlessness at the root. Interns will have the Opportunities for: * Restoring families. * Apply creativity & skills to advance DADS organization * Learn to attack Fatherlessness at the root Making a Difference Discovering your Passion & Purpose * Identify & develop skills and strengths * Freedom to take risks * Gain valuable experience Participate in a diverse community of wounded healers who are seeking Jesus together in our journey toward transformation. Community Learning from Experienced Leaders & Mentors Engage with and learn from the lived experience of Marvin and Jeanett Charles and gain practical experience in direct service with DADS. Applicants We are looking for a diverse team of interns comprised partly of people who have been impacted or served by DADS in addition to others interested in a service-related career. Applicants should be interested in apprenticing in the D.A.D.S. model and exploring career paths connected to eliminating the epidemic of fatherlessness. If you have interest in applying for a position, begin the online application by clicking below. Internship Job Description Internship Announcement Murdock Foundation Vision & Call The DADS Internship has been launched through a partnership with the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust's Vision and Call Program. Learn more about the Vision and Call Program in the video below: Apply Now

DADS provides fatherhood support in Seattle through free case management, parenting classes, and support groups helping fathers reconnect with their children. Stronger Fathers, Healthier Communities Fathers who walk through our doors carry real weight — child support debt, years of distance, systems they don't know how to navigate. They also carry something else: the deep desire to be present for their children. At DADS, we meet them there. CONTACT US DONATE HERE RESPECT We treat every client with dignity and respect; honoring every person and valuing every voice. CORE VALUES & BELIEFS CORE VALUES & BELIEFS CORE VALUES & BELIEFS CORE VALUES & BELIEFS RESPECT We treat every client with dignity and respect; honoring every person and valuing every voice. COMPASSIONATE CARE We place ourselves in others’ shoes, building relationships, and meeting people where they’re at. COMITTMENT We fulfill our obligations and champion the fatherhood community through intentional service and steadfast support WHAT WE OFFER Every father who walks through our doors is carrying something — child support debt, years of distance, systems he doesn't know how to navigate. We meet him there, with no-cost, practical support built around what he needs next. WE ARE NOT A LAW FIRM AND DO NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE. CASE MANAGEMENT PARENTING PLANS & REUNIFICATION SUPPORT BECOMING DADS FATHERING CLASSES WEEKLY SUPPORT GROUPS & FELLOWSHIPS CHILD SUPPORT GUIDANCE SOMEONE TO TALK TO VIEW FULL SERVICES "DADS didn't just help me become a better father. It helped me become a better man. I came in broken and I'm leaving with a plan." DADS CLIENT THE CHANGE WE SEE FATHERS WHO PARTICIPATE IN DADS REPORT: Renewed confidence as parents and providers Improved communication with their children and co-parents Increased contact and reunification with their children Greater stability in work, housing, and daily life A sense of community and belonging, often for the first time 25+ YEARS OF SERVICE 13,500+ CHILDREN REACHED 6,000+ FATHERS SERVED

GET SUPPORT Call us today. A case manager will walk you through what happens next. SEATTLE OFFICE Location 411 12th Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98122 Phone (206) 722-3137 Mail TACOMA OFFICE Location 10402 Kline St. SW Suite 111 Lakewood, WA 98499 Phone (253) 231-3164 Mail FOLLETO EN ESPANOL (PDF) ENGLISH BROCHURE (PDF)

stay tuned stay tuned stay tuned stay tuned We're already planning what's next. Be the first to know when we announce our next event — sign up for updates so you never miss a moment. SIGN UP FOR UPDATES This year's Highway to Fatherhood Benefit proved something we've always believed: it's not about the size of the room, it's about who's in it. We swapped the traditional banquet hall for a more intimate night among classic cars, and our 59 guests brought the energy that got us to our goal. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you — your investment isn't just a line item, it's a father who gets to walk back into his child's life. We're already looking forward to next year.

Bios and contact information for the DADS staff and board of directors. Meet The Team! Our Goals: We have a positive impact on the epidemic of fatherlessness in America. We restore families by empowering absent fathers to be responsible family leaders. We stop the cycle of family violence and brokenness in order to improve the lives of children. Administrative Staff Staff Marvin Charles Co-Founder, CEO Marvin Charles has emerged as a community and national leader in creating stronger fathers and healthier families. Because of his own powerful story of separation from and then reunification with his own family, parents and children, and his 15+ years of helping others reclaim the positive role of fathers to their families, he is an experienced and trusted mentor and advisor. He has traveled all over the U.S. to speak about empowering fathers, to learn from other national leaders and to share our successes with other organizations hoping to implement fatherhood programs. Marvin Charles is an ordained minister and his extraordinary effectiveness comes from his ability to see through the pain and threats of those he counsels to the powerful change possible by embracing a living God and larger purpose. Neither class or ethnicity poses an obstacle to him being heard. Staff Jeanett Charles Co-Founder & COO Jeanett Charles leads DADS along with her husband Marvin. Out of their experience with drug abuse, homelessness, the loss of their children to the state and many other challenges, the Charles' built a community and a faith-based program to provide assistance to fathers who have lost their connection to their children. The commitment, love, time and attention given to Jeanett from her father gave her the confidence, courage and strength to overcome many of life’s challenges. Staff Charles Woods Pierce County Area Director Lakewood Office Charles serves as our Pierce County Area Director in our Lakewood office. Charles came to the DADS program after being incarcerated for a few years and seeking assistance to see his son and to become an active father in his children's lives again. Not only did he take all the necessary steps and recommendations to complete the court process to see his son, but he also became an employee to our program. He went on to obtain his AA degree in Audio Engineering from the Los Angeles Film School and enjoys his studio work during his downtime. He is a product of what we believe here at DADS and strives to be a good father every day. Staff Gregory Adams Program Manager & Intake Specialist Gregory Adams is a graduate of the DADS program. His story of reentry into life outside of the Monroe Correctional Complex is inspiring. Now a co-facilitator of the DADS Quenching the Fathers Thirst classes at the Monroe Correctional Facility, Greg encourages men who are planning to reenter the community from prison to, “Make DADS your first stop!” He enjoys creating incredible meals and desserts as an executive chef with Upper Crust Catering and lives in Seattle with his wife Elaine. Staff Larry Brooks Program Facilitator & Intake Specialist Larry Brooks is the Founder and Pastor of Crossroads Kingdom Ministries. His life is dedicated to living by example and encouraging men and women how to live up to their full potential in Christ. Pastor Larry has more than a decade of teaching, mentoring and counseling, which enables him to reach others with humor, warmth, transparency, and strength. He is a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, public speaker, role model, and mentor. Staff Devotion M. Charles Intake Specialist & Internship Manager Devotion brings a powerful blend of lived experience, professional growth, and generational purpose to her role at DADS. Originally joining the team as a Client Intake Specialist, Devotion also applies her growing expertise in project management to help streamline and elevate the organization’s mission. With a strong background in customer-focused retail management and a heart for service, Devotion is known for her ability to connect with people, organize with intention, and lead with compassion. But her story with DADS runs much deeper than a job title—it's personal. As the daughter of DADS’ co-founders, Devotion is living proof of the mission’s impact. Her parents founded the organization after overcoming the barriers of addiction and the child welfare system to reunite their family. Today, Devotion’s presence on the team marks a full-circle moment in their testimony. A proud mother of two, Devotion is driven by gratitude and a deep belief that generational cycles can be broken through prayer, support, and life-changing relationships. Her work at DADS is more than a career—it’s a step forward into her calling, and she walks it out with grace, purpose, and a vision for lasting change. Staff Maria Brooks Bilingual Intake Specialist Maria Brooks comes to DADS, alongside of her husband Larry, to support part-time in between both our Seattle and Lakewood offices. She was born and raised in California then moved to Washington in October of 1999. Maria retired from Safeway after 36 years of service and prides herself in helping people. She is expanding our client base as our Bilingual Intake Specialist to serve the Hispanic and Latino communities. Staff Curtis Ruffin Lakewood Office Intake Specialist Curtis is a Human Services professional with over 20 years of experience providing intake services, case management, and recovery services throughout the Pacific Northwest. In various roles, Curtis has worked to coordinate treatment services to individuals in drug recovery, job training, and development for Felons seeking to re-enter the workforce, and program facilitation for work release settings for well-known and respected community-based organizations such as WorkSource Washington and Lutheran Compass Center. Curtis is presently focusing his efforts as an Intake Specialist for DADS. He calls Seattle, WA his home where he enjoys fishing, spending time with family, and attending the church where he serves as an usher. Curtis is committed to helping disenfranchised clientele to advance and achieve their life goals. Staff Gregg Towery Support Group, Accounting Support & Donor Relations Gregg Towery has been involved at DADS since 2005 and hosts the Thursday night Bible study/support group. With a background in theology directed toward application in daily life, he has served in pastoral ministries to men for more than 30 years. He has a passion for fathering and seeks to "turn the hearts of fathers to their children." The deep pain and grief experienced in his own life helps him to connect with the needs of struggling fathers. Gregg lives in Kent with his wife, has six adult children and six grandchildren. Board of Directors Board of Directors William Smith Board President William is an experienced Human Resources professional with a demonstrated history of working in the for-profit & non-profit sectors. Skilled in nonprofit organizations, negotiation, talent management, employee relations, labor relations, employment law, and consultation. Masters of Jurisprudence in Labor and Employment Law, Tulane University Law School. Board of Directors Eddie Hendrix Board Vice President Eddie is a dedicated father of four sons and a retired US veteran. He has been a close friend of DADS for the last 20 years. His first meeting with DADS was seeking help with his child support issues. He has firsthand experience with how DADS not only helps and serves but builds lasting relationships with all that cross their path. He currently works for the Department of Veteran Affairs and is focused on raising his teenage son. Board of Directors Chris Moore Board Treasurer Chris currently works as corporate counsel for Carta, Inc. and received his degree in politics and theology from the University of San Francisco. During his undergraduate studies, he spent a semester at American University in Washington, DC, where he took a justice seminar that opened his eyes to the inequitable way justice is distributed, and the staggering recidivism rates in the United States. This experience was the birth of his passion for this specific work and what led him to attend law school at the University of Wisconsin—Madison, where he had the opportunity to intern as a student attorney with the Wisconsin Innocence Project. After moving to Seattle, he served as a volunteer attorney for Disability Rights Washington in their AVID Prison Project, and volunteered with the Washington Innocence Project at the University of Washington. This path ultimately led him to DADS, where he is grateful for the opportunity to combine his faith and experience to support the organization in helping fathers become more involved in the lives of their children, and to overcome the collateral consequences of being involved with the justice system. “You don’t change the world with the ideas in your mind, but with the conviction in your heart.” – Bryan Stevenson Board of Directors Alexis Phillips Board Secretary Coming soon. Board of Directors Joe Marra Board Member Joe has been an attorney at the Seattle law firm Davis Grimm Payne & Marra for over thirty years. His practice focuses on representing employers in all areas related to private and public sector labor and employment law. Prior to entering private practice, Joe was an attorney at the U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Joe is a frequent and popular speaker for associations, companies and non-profit organizations. Although a litigator, Joe’s priority is enabling clients to avoid costly lawsuits and legal risks by utilizing proactive, preventative business practices. Joe is admitted to all state and federal courts in Washington and Montana. He has received the Distinguished Citizen Award from WA. Independent Business Association and has been repeatedly recognized by the Washington State Bar Association for his pro bono work. "A lawyer must be much more than a litigator for his clients. He must be an honest and realistic advisor, strategist, risk assessor, counselor and advocate." Board of Directors Debbie Jacobsen Board Member Debbie Jacobsen has been associated with DADS for a number of years through her deep ties to its founders Marvin and Jeanett. Debbie holds a master’s degree in theology (MAT) from Fuller Theological Seminary and eagerly serves as the Lord leads. There is a tremendous gulf of despair fatherlessness has created in the greater Seattle area and helping to break down the barriers impeding the course towards a future that closes the gap separating fathers from their families is a tremendous need. Debbie also serves on the King County Advisory Board for The Salvation Army. She shares five adult children and five grandchildren (and counting), with her husband Mark. Board of Directors Paul Misleh Board Member Paul is a Managing Partner at Fortis Financial Group, an investments and wealth management firm based in Bellevue, WA. Prior to Fortis, Paul spent nine years at Ernst & Young in Audit and Transaction Services spending time in San Diego, San Francisco and London. Paul is currently the Treasurer for Divine Alternatives for Dads Services and the President of the University Kiwanis organization. In his free time he loves to spend time with his wife and daughter, cook, read and write. Board of Directors Karen Johnson Board Member Karen joined the board of DADS through a loving relationship with its founders, Marvin and Jeanett Charles. Her passion lies in sharing the love of Jesus and investing in the next generation through discipleship. For the past 11 years, she has pursued this calling as a senior associate with Centered, where she developed a Fellows program for postgraduate women, supported a fellowship group within the Washington State Legislature, and launched the Take Root podcast, which she continues to host. A graduate of the University of Washington, Karen holds a BSN in nursing. She taught parent education at Bellevue College and served for 11 years at Bellevue Christian School, teaching students with learning disabilities and coaching the girls’ golf team. Before her time with Centered, she worked with the Luke 12:48 Foundation, where she led initiatives focused on women and youth. Karen is married to her best friend, Dean, and is the proud mother of Chris, Jake, and Karli (Zack), and grandmother to Tennyson and Clinton. She enjoys golfing, skiing (both snow and water), hiking, and exploring God’s amazing creation. Her life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. Board of Directors Melissa Gehrig Board Member Melissa recently retired from the executive leadership position with Vision House, a local nonprofit. Vision House serves families with children experiencing homelessness and like DADS, believes that all children need healthy parental relationships to become all that God has created them to be. Melissa holds a BA in Fine Arts, an MA in Organizational Leadership and provides leadership development coaching with an emphasis on servant leadership and individual strengths. She is married to Steve with a combined family of four children and four grandchildren with one more on the way.

We've been there. We're here to listen and help. We've been there. We're here to listen and help. We've been there. We're here to listen and help. We've been there. We're here to listen and help. Becoming DADS Course Registration is required. Please call for current class start dates. CONTACT US CASE MANAGEMENT Your case manager is your navigator — the first person you meet and the one who stays with you throughout your time at DADS. Available Monday through Friday, with walk-ins welcome, your case manager helps you map out where you are, where you want to be, and the practical steps to get there. From your first visit, you'll have someone in your corner who knows the system and knows you're not just a file number. BECOMING DADS FATHERING CLASSES A 13-week curriculum built around practical skills, honest conversation, and a community of men doing the same work. Each session is designed to educate, heal, grow, and engage — moving beyond theory into the real, everyday work of showing up as a father. You'll leave with tools you can use immediately, and a group of men who understand exactly what you're carrying. JOIN HERE CHILD SUPPORT GUIDANCE Child support arrears can feel like an impossible mountain, and too many fathers avoid the conversation because they don't know where to start. We help you understand your obligations, work through arrears, and find a realistic path forward. You don't have to figure this out alone, and you don't have to face the system without someone beside you. PARENTING PLANS & REUNIFICATION SUPPORT Reunification isn't a single event — it's a series of practical, consistent steps. We help fathers understand what courts typically expect during custody and visitation proceedings, so you can walk in prepared and present rather than caught off guard. Whether you're working toward your first visit or full custody, we help you build the record and the habits that support real, lasting reunification. WEEKLY SUPPORT GROUPS & FELLOWSHIPS Every week, fathers gather to be heard, supported, and reminded they're not walking this road alone. These aren't lectures — they're honest spaces where men hold each other accountable and celebrate each other's wins, led by fathers who've walked the same path. Many of the relationships that carry men through their hardest seasons start in this room. SOMEONE TO TALK TO Not every need fits neatly into a class or a case plan. Sometimes what a father needs most is simply someone who will listen — no judgment, no agenda, just a real conversation about what he's carrying. That's what we're here for, whenever he needs it. DADS provides guidance and case management. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. DADS provides guidance and case management. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. DADS provides guidance and case management. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. DADS provides guidance and case management. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. Oliver I feel I have a better understanding of how to be a dad...I didn't really know how a dad was supposed to act since I never really had a father figure growing up... I felt like I've had a lot of support with all my instructors and all my brothers in this class...I felt right at home, like family and it's been awhile since I've felt that way being anywhere. Cortez My experience here at D.A.D.S. has been life changing! It changed my life 16 years ago when Marvin & Jeanett helped me get custody of my son. With the knowledge I gained and obtained then, I was able to get custody of my daughter... I'm supposed to be here. I was supposed to be in this class and I'm appreciative for this chapter and season of my life. Dwayne I'm better at patience and understanding how to feel what my son and my daughter are trying to say... [At DADS] They keep it real. They let you know that it's going to be a fight and a struggle at times...And when you don't have no family, they are your family- and I'm saying that from experience, because I don't have none- they're there when you need them. Event Title Event Time Event Date Change the event description to include your own content. Adjust the settings to customize the style. October 2026 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

Parenting course 13 Weeks of Fatherhood and Brotherhood Whether you are currently separated from your children or you are able to see them on a regular basis, this course is designed to provide you with the skills and resources you need to be the best father you can be. Sign up now! Let's Go Next 13 week course starting soon. Click above to find out more or to register for the next course. ABOUT Throughout the course, you will learn strategies for building and maintaining a positive and supportive relationship with your children, regardless of your current circumstances. You will also have the opportunity to connect with other fathers who are in similar situations, and to share your experiences and challenges with each other. Some of the topics that we will cover include: Communication skills How to effectively communicate with your children and co-parent, even when you are not in the same location. Conflict resolution Strategies for managing conflicts and disagreements that may arise between you and your children or co-parent Building a positive relationship: Tips for building and maintaining a strong, supportive relationship with your children, regardless of your current circumstances Co-parenting: Strategies for working effectively with your children's other parent to provide a stable and supportive environment for your children Hear from Our Fathers Oliver Rosales I feel I have a better understanding of how to be a dad...I didn't really know how a dad was supposed to act since I never really had a father figure growing up... I felt like I've had a lot of support with all my instructors and all my brothers in this class...I felt right at home, like family and it's been awhile since I've felt that way being anywhere. Cortez Charles My experience here at D.A.D.S. has been life changing! It changed my life 16 years ago when Marvin & Jeanett helped me get custody of my son. With the knowledge I gained and obtained then, I was able to get custody of my daughter... I'm supposed to be here. I was supposed to be in this class and I'm appreciative for this chapter and season of my life. Dwayne Smith I'm better at patience and understanding how to feel what my son and my daughter are trying to say... [At DADS] They keep it real. They let you know that it's going to be a fight and a struggle at times...And when you don't have no family, they are your family- and I'm saying that from experience, because I don't have none- they're there when you need them. Play Video All Videos Want to know more? Get More Info

We are honored to honor our fathers. Here at the 2025 Winter Dad's graduation we celebrate our fathers as they seek to heal, grow, and share. To Our Sponsors A special thank you for helping to make this possible Sign me up!

DADS is a grassroots, urban, 501(c)(3) that is leading a movement to eradicate the epidemic of absent fathers in urban America. DADS gives fathers hope by walking together in supportive community, helping navigate relational and legal barriers which separate them from their children and families. Marvin Charles (CEO) & Jeanett Charles (COO) Co-Founders of D.A.D.S D.A.D.S. (Divine Alternatives for Dads Services) is a grassroots 501(c)(3) organization that is leading a movement to eradicate the epidemic of fatherlessness in America. D.A.D.S. gives fathers HOPE by walking together in a supportive community , helping navigate relational and legal barriers which separate them from their children and families. Our vision is to stop the cycle of family violence and brokenness in order to improve the lives of children and encourage fathers to become agents of change in their communities. Meet Our Team Spreading the Message Through much prayer, counsel, and meditation, I believe it is now time to develop DADS’ second book. I am now in the process of writing a second biographical account which helps to raise consciousness about fatherlessness as well as identifying the continued challenges and solutions of fatherhood.. We will be updating the first book with more recent statistics and stories, as well as cross-referencing all our books, seamlessly tying all the publications together in a way that allows others to benefit from and replicate our model. Check out our Kickstarter to learn more and find out how you can contribute! Why D.A.D.S.? Did you know that Fatherlessness in the US costs our society $100+Billion per year? Learn More Children do better with DADS ! Brochure About Us > DADS in The NEWS Fathers Families and children Communities Who Do We Serve? What Do We Do? Case Management Child Support Document Preparation Family Reunification Parenting Classes Parenting Plan Assistance Referral Services Support Groups Learn More Our Impact. Contact Us Today.

Over 25 years of EXPERIENCE “Our mission is to restore an absent father to their home, giving fathers hope by walking in supportive community.” OUR STORY Marvin and Jeanett Charles started DADS in their living room in 1998, after years marked by Marvin's own childhood in foster care and gang life, and a shared struggle with addiction that cost them custody of several of their children. Facing termination of their parental rights, a CPS caseworker gave them 90 days to get sober, find housing, and find work — or lose their family for good. It was in that window that their transformation took hold, and they credit a renewed relationship with Jesus and their commitment to each other as the turning point that carried them back to their children. Then they asked: how do we use what we learned the hard way to help someone else? That question became DADS. Over 25 years later, it's still the foundation of everything we do. We listen first. We meet fathers where they are. We take practical steps that lead to real change. Today, DADS has served more than 6,000 fathers and touched the lives of over 13,500 children — one father at a time. Want to read more? Marvin's book, Becoming DADS: A Mission to Restore Absent Fathers , chronicles his journey from absent father to founder — and the strategies born from it that still guide our work today. OUR TEAM Behind every father we serve is a team that's walked a similar road. Many of our staff came through the DADS program themselves — and now they're the ones showing up for the next father who walks through the door. Co-Founder, CEO Marvin Charles Co-Founder, CEO Marvin co-founded DADS after his own experience of separation from and reunification with his family. With 20+ years leading fatherhood programs, he's a nationally recognized speaker and mentor on strengthening fathers and families. Phone Mail Co-Founder, COO Jeanett Charles Co-Founder & COO Jeanett co-founded DADS alongside her husband Marvin, building the program out of their own experience with homelessness and the loss of custody of their children. She leads DADS' day-to-day operations and community programs. Phone Mail Pierce County Area Director Charles Woods Pierce County Area Director, Lakewood Office Charles leads our Lakewood office after coming through the DADS program himself while working to reconnect with his son. He holds an AA in Audio Engineering and is a DADS program success story. Phone Mail Program Manager & Intake Specialist Gregory Adams Program Manager & Intake Specialist Greg is a graduate of the DADS program who now co-facilitates our fatherhood classes at Monroe Correctional Facility, encouraging men reentering the community to make DADS their first stop. Phone Mail Executive Intake Specialist Larry Brooks Program Facilitator & Intake Specialist Larry brings over a decade of mentoring and counseling experience to DADS, helping fathers build on their strengths as husbands, parents, and role models. Phone Mail Bilingual Intake Specialist Maria Brooks Bilingual Intake Specialist Maria supports our Seattle and Lakewood offices part-time as our Bilingual Intake Specialist, expanding services to Hispanic and Latino families after a 36-year career at Safeway. Phone Mail Support Group, Accounting Support & Donor Relations Gregg Towery Support Group, Accounting Support & Donor Relations Gregg has supported DADS since 2005, hosting our weekly support group and assisting with accounting and donor relations. He is a father of six and grandfather of six. Phone Mail DADS provides guidance and case management. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. DADS provides guidance and case management. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. DADS provides guidance and case management. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. DADS provides guidance and case management. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. BEYOND THE HOUSEHOLD BEYOND THE HOUSEHOLD BEYOND THE HOUSEHOLD BEYOND THE HOUSEHOLD Fathers served by DADS were estimated to have saved Washington State $2.3 million in one year through reduced TANF, SNAP, and Medicaid payments. When fathers are empowered to provide for their families, the ripple reaches far beyond one household. 1 in 3 fathers reported a positive change in their child support status — meaningful progress for families collectively carrying over $817,000 in arrears. In 2000, DADS served 8 fathers. By 2009, that number had grown to 486 — 60x growth in under a decade, and we've kept growing since. IN THE NEWS Coverage of our work from local press. MERCER ISLAND REPORTER Fathers make a difference in children's lives — Coverage of the DADS fatherhood benefit and a look at the impact one award recipient has had on his family. Button MERCER ISLAND REPORTER DADS came to visit us, so we went to visit DADS — Columnist John Hamer's firsthand account of visiting the DADS office and seeing the program up close. Button SEATTLE TIMES South Seattle's DADS unites men in fatherhood and brotherhood — A feature on fathers who found community and support through DADS, and what the program has meant for their families. Button KING 5 Seattle nonprofit D.A.D.S. has been helping fathers reunite with their kids for nearly 25 years — A look at nearly 25 years of DADS' work, including Co-Founder Jeanett Charles on what fathers find when they walk through the door. Button WASHINGTON EXAMINER America Has a Fatherless Problem. A Group in Seattle Is Setting an Example to Fix It. — A national op-ed by longtime DADS volunteer John Hamer, highlighting the organization's track record as a potential national model. Button SEATTLE MEDIUM Organization Helps Rebuild Families, Communities — A deep look at how DADS began, including the story of a father who worked with Marvin and Jeanett to go from $133,000 in child support debt to reuniting with his children. Button SEATTLE WEEKLY Best of Seattle 2010: Marvin Charles — An early profile naming Marvin "Best of Seattle" for his work helping fathers rebuild their lives after addiction and incarceration — one of the first press features on DADS. Button

DADS NewsletterS Fall 2024 (link) Thankful for Fathers Ernest's Story Fall 2021 (link) Fall Newsletter DADS is Moving Summer 2023 (link) 25 Years of Support A Busy Summer Fall 2023 (link) Becoming Dads Happy Thanksgiving!!