In early 2005 my uncle, Christopher Dandridge, brought an article to my attention concerning a young mechanic from the east coast who received his child support order and as a result shot the mothers' of his children. Unfortunately, he killed one mother, wounded another and eventually took his own life. At the time I was a part-time law student and Chris was a part-time computer science student. We both were young fathers and agreed that maybe if this young man was given information designed to help young fathers' this tragedy may have been avoided.

     In 2008, I consulted a close friend Paul Elam, to ask what he thought about developing a program for young fathers. Paul, had also experienced life as a young father and offered statistical information that verified the need to set a standard for young fathers to aspire towards. Over the next year I shared program idea with Trinisha Smith, and David Bates who agreed to contribute to any program that was developed to help young fathers become responsible men. Realizing I needed help with the educational structure of the program I called on close friends, who are experienced educators: Kobie Brown, and Corie Muhammad to help develop a curriculum that would motivate and educate young fathers.

     In early 2009, I founded NBI Bryans, LLC and with advice of my friends began to design an 8 week program to help young fathers become responsible men.  In the fall of 2009 Corie Muhammad, suggested I make a short booklet that could help young fathers and the young fathers handbook was born. At the same time I decided to launched NewYoungFathers.com, recorded our first educational DVD with my daughter’s toy video recorder and Corie Muhammad supplied the music that has become the heart beat of our movement, by way of his production company, the Beat Peddlers.

     Soon thereafter, I realized the need for marketing and workshop coordination help so I solicited the assistance of my uncle Steve Dandridge, my brother Martin Dandridge and long time friend Rashad Muhammad.

     As this idea became a reality, the need for business and financial advice increased and I recruited the help of my  sister Shelise Dandridge. In early 2010 we dissolved the LLC and became a Non-Profit corporation: NBI Bryans, Inc.

    Ever evolving, we realized it would be best to have someone with years of production experience over see the production of our educational DVD's: I convinced my sister Ramona Dandridge to become our Director of Production.  

    Additionally, it became necessary for NewYoungFathers.com to have a constant presence in the community.  We needed someone with years of experience developing and sustaining community programs: thus, we solicited the assistance of Charles Scarborough II as our Director of Community Outreach and Engagement. Recently, Kobie Brown Sr. informed me of a extraordinary educator, Leon Reed, interested in helping NewYoungFathers.com further our mission.  After looking at his qualifications, talking with him, and seeing his dedication to helping young fathers become responsible men I asked him to join our team as our newest workshop coordinator. All of our team members are dedicated to using their expertise to help young fathers become responsible men and look forward to serving young fathers for many years to come.

 

Our Team