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“The love was different than anything I had ever felt
before. I was now responsible for someone else and had a
chance to show them things I didn’t learn and things I did
learn.”
Stanquez wasn’t even home from county jail for 30 minutes
before he first learned about Brothers United. He saw some
people walking through his neighborhood and saw the phrase
on the back of their shirts “The Only Hood I Claim is
FATHERhood.”
In that moment, he realized he was worried about the wrong
things. BU staff took down his information and he decided to
join.
“I had kids and they were my priority, and I knew that motto
should be something I lived by and stood for.”
Once in the program, Stanquez began to feel and think
differently. BU helped him slow down and put things into
perspective. He realized his importance as a father and as a
man, and learned parenting skills and healthy relationship
skills.
While fighting his drug case during the program, Avis Files
went with Mr. Hill to court and advocated for him. She told
them how he had changed while in the program and that he put
in the work to become a better father and man.
“I was looking at a lot of time, and I walked out of that
courtroom with another chance. To this day, I carry the
things they taught me in the way I move. I put my kids first
and do everything I need to do to make sure they are good. I
carry the Brotherhood that I became a part of while in BU.
So when I see a young father that I feel could use some
help, I tell them my story and send them to BU. I owe that
to them and especially Mrs. Files.”
Mr. Hill expressed that he is forever grateful for BU and
how they’ve shown up in his life with support.
“Life today wouldn’t be possible if I hadn’t allowed BU to
mold and shape me into the man I am today; stronger, more
focused, and BU Strong for life.”
If you are interested in joining The Brothers United Program
or have someone you want to refer : Call us at (419)
279-6297 or
www.pathwaytoledo.org
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