Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Bedolla.
Frank, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Our founder Frank is a survivor of the gang lifestyle. Growing up he dropped out of school in the 10th grade and worked a humbling job as a dishwasher. He transformed his life through the Job Corps program where he received his High School Diploma, entered the college program, and received his BS in Psychology, and graduated in 2009 with a Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah.
It was in 2005 while working at the Salt Lake CAP Head Start as their Fatherhood Coordinator, where he began to further understand the importance of a paternal presence in the early stages of child development. This realization pushed him to start conducting research on the absence of father figures among students in the Juvenile Justice System and the adult system. It was evident in this research that in our society, the majority of youth and adults in these systems have been raised with an absent father figure. This sparked the idea to start a Fatherhood Organization to provide education to Fathers and Pathways to Manhood for boys ages 12-18.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As long as remember growing up every day was a struggle, I struggled in a household not valuing education, I struggled being accepted in our society as a minority and have struggled with disability in college. These struggles have been my motivation in my life journey on becoming a better person and giving back to our society. What I have learned In overcoming the struggles, is mastering your mind because your mind could become your opponent on your journey in life. The mind has the power to derail your capabilities and the fear grows up. I am thankful for having great people along my journal to assist and provide guidance to becoming the Man I am today!!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have worked in a variety of settings helping the community by advocating for families and currently started the Fatherhood Coalition, and collaborates with local agencies to create programs to help uplift relationships and assist men to become better husbands, dads, uncles and grandpas. I have worked with men, from teenagers to seniors, for many years through various jobs and volunteer efforts. The most proud thing is being approached by past clients thanking me for being there for them. This work sets me apart from what the community is doing.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Since I am in a better situation with being the first in my family generation to graduate from University and feel successful. It has taught me the best lesson through my life journey is “Servanthood”, The ability to give back and responsibility in helping people learn and grow either have a sense of purpose or to contribute to our society. The work and success are not about you, but about the community or building a bridge for people.
Contact Info:
- Website: ffcutah.org
- Instagram: ffcutahofficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ffcutah
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/FFCUtah
