By Lidya Hollingsworth, Pathway Inc. Coach
Special to The Truth
Mwakini Johnson, a Pathway, Inc. Brothers United alumnus, whose story of fatherhood highlights the importance of being mindful and using values to steer your life in the right direction.
Mr. Johnson was referred to Pathway, Inc. Brothers United by his case manager. He was learning how to be a father again after serving 16 years in prison, after having two daughters.
During his time served, he learned to appreciate the ability to be present as a father and experience your children learn and growing every single day. He is now a grandfather and is adapting to a changing relationship with his now adult daughters and 1-year-old son, Amir.
Johnson completed Pathway Inc. Brothers United in April 2024 and was later reunified with his son in October 2024. During his time with Pathway Inc. Brothers United, Johnson says that, “Brothers and Sisters United are great classes.” They not only helped him develop intellectually but also empowered him to see parenting as a reflective process.
“We are a reflection to our kids,” he noted. “The program reminded me of the values my father taught me and how to pass them on to my own children.” Johnson wants his son to have a balanced life that emphasizes the importance of education, discipline, and hard work.
Amir is currently enrolled in Early Head Start, where his social-emotional skills are developed in the classroom through the power of play and creative curricula that focus on motor skills.
The Pathway Inc. Brothers United alumnus recently transitioned from his employment at the Wayman Palmer YMCA, a place he considers family, and will continue to spend his leisure time there.
The Director of Operations says that, “Mr. Johnson displayed great leadership skills with the youth and mentored them as they visited the facility.” He now works at the airport for Amazon Cargo. He continues to incorporate the values his father and grandfather taught him as a boy, as well as the skills necessary to foster an ever-growing relationship with his children.
“Fatherhood” to Johnson means to lead your children on a path of success by setting an example and living according to your values, regardless of trials. He appreciates Pathway Inc. Brothers United for the opportunity. He wants to encourage other fathers to remain present in their children’s lives and appreciate the milestones in a child’s life as childhood ends all too quickly.
Pathway Inc. Brothers and Sisters United would like to highlight the success story of this dedicated father whose community not only helped to uplift but also build pathways to success. If you or someone you know is interested in Pathway Inc. Brothers United, call or text (419) 279-0798 for additional information.