Volunteering Together: A Mother–Daughter Story of Giving Back
December 9, 2025
When children are exposed to violence in the home, the impact can follow them for a lifetime. Preventing that harm requires more than crisis response; it requires early intervention, accountability, and support for meaningful change. Mindful Fathering is one way Yorktown addresses this need, working with fathers to interrupt cycles of violence and protect children’s safety and well-being.
Supporting Fathers, Protecting Children
Mindful Fathering is Yorktown Family Services’ 12-week, evidence-informed program designed to engage fathers in becoming child-centered parents and learning healthier ways to manage anger and aggression. Developed and trademarked by Yorktown, the program reduces children’s exposure to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and helps foster safer, healthier family relationships.
Who We Serve
Fathers are often referred to Mindful Fathering through child welfare agencies when concerns have been raised about their children’s exposure to IPV. In some cases, participation in the program enables fathers to demonstrate progress in order to access or maintain visitation with their children. By holding fathers accountable while equipping them with practical skills, Mindful Fathering works to prevent further violence and encourage healthier parenting practices.
Impact at a Glance
In 2024/25, a total of 49 fathers completed Mindful Fathering groups delivered by Yorktown and our partner, the Abrigo Centre. Together, we also referred 19 fathers to additional services to meet their broader needs. Central intake, launched jointly in 2022, has led to a 50% increase in referrals to both organizations and reduced wait times for participants.
Program outcomes show measurable improvements in fathers’ knowledge and behaviour:
- 73% reported increased knowledge of parenting skills and child development.
- 68% reported a decrease in anger and aggression.
- 63% reported increased awareness of the impact of exposing children to violence.
- 100% reported increased knowledge of services and resources available for themselves and their children.
Why It Matters
Mindful Fathering is rooted in the belief that every family member deserves safety, dignity, and access to support. By decreasing children’s exposure to IPV, the program not only reduces the risk of child maltreatment but also promotes positive mental health outcomes for children who might otherwise carry the trauma of violence into adulthood.
In Mindful Fathering, the North Star is always the child — their safety, mental health, and future well-being.
Stories of Change
One father, encouraged to join by his daughter, realized through the program that he had been distant and disengaged from family life. Inspired by the group’s discussions, he began listening more, validating his children’s feelings, and becoming an active member of his household. His progress encouraged other participants, who looked to him as a role model.
Another father reflected with regret on the harm he had caused his spouse and children, saying tearfully, “I wish I would have known this 10 years ago; my situation would be very different today.” Although his marriage could not be repaired, he committed to building healthier relationships with his children, applying what he learned to strengthen their trust and resilience.
Looking Ahead
In 2025/26, Yorktown plans to continue expanding the Mindful Fathering Community of Practice, deepen our consultation role with Abrigo, and strengthen ties with child welfare partners to enhance communication and improve family outcomes.
A Proven Model for Change
Mindful Fathering demonstrates Yorktown’s commitment to innovation, accountability, and collaboration in addressing gender-based violence. By equipping fathers with tools for change, the program helps children grow up in safer homes and builds pathways to healthier family futures.
Yorktown’s Mindful Fathering program runs twice a year in the Fall and the Spring and supports fathers to become the fathers they want to be! If this program sounds like something you, or someone you love would be interested in participating in, please visit our website to learn more and to register for our next session.