Richmond jail graduates first 16 of fatherhood class

Vann Dickerson didn't have a father to show him how to be a good parent to his 6-year-old son and 16-year-old stepdaughter.

But serving time in the Richmond City Jail has.

He was among 16 men who received certificates yesterday for completing the jail's first fatherhood class.

Dickerson, 46, used skills learned in the class when his son visited recently. He patiently answered the young boy's questions about why he was in jail and offered words of comfort.

"I told him, 'You've got your mother, your sister, your auntie and uncle and everybody there with you.' I asked him, 'Why are you crying?'" Dickerson said. "He said to me, with a blank stare, 'Daddy, I want you!'

"That let me know how much I hurt him by actually being here."

Alonzo C. Pruitt, undersheriff and chief of chaplains at the jail, said the fatherhood class, which began 4½ months ago, was conceived by Richmond Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. as a way to reduce recidivism.

"We were convinced that if we can strengthen the relationship our male residents have with their children, it will give them another reason to make the right choice and not engage in criminal behavior," Pruitt said.

Pruitt said the program started with 35 men -- all fathers -- who met weekly to discuss topics such as discipline without violence, respect for the child's mother, homework and reading, financial management, childhood development and respect for authority.

Most of yesterday's graduates, who also received a prayer book, cookies and a stuffed animal to give their children, will remain involved to mentor the program's new members, Pruitt said.

In the jail's Redemption Chapel, Woody encouraged the men to also use mistakes made in their lives to teach their children.

"If you have children or if you know children, tell them your story. Tell them to stay in school, not to come here," Woody said. "You are the source that can tell the story that actually will prevent them from coming here if you are open and honest with them."

Contact Melodie N. Martin at (804) 649-6290 or .