We Wish You Many Blessings

My name is Drayton Denson Sr.

I am a single Dad who works hard to put food on the table and to make the world as happy as possible. I would like to tell you a little bit about myself and my experience with Community Partners of South Florida.

My journey began about a year after I became a single father. Unfortunately, I lost my fiancé to a heart attack due to complications during pregnancy in 2020. I watched her take her last breath in my arms as I was trying to apply CPR and save her. When the paramedics arrived, they told me she had no pulse and announced her passing later that night at JFK hospital.

There I was, suddenly a single dad. I lost our rental apartment and moved into my mother’s house with my five children. Not long after, DCF and the state of Florida got involved and said that the two youngest kids needed a proper guardianship. They said that five kids sleeping in the living room was not beneficial for them. So as difficult as it was, I agreed. In my heart, I thought they would help me, but instead they offered to put the kids in the system until guardianship amongst relatives was determined. After long court battles, my sister and I were granted parental guardianship, and I was reunited with my two babies.

"I never wanted to find myself in the same position again, so I knew I needed help."

I decided to reach out to different programs that were suggested to me but every program I called told me they didn’t have any room or they didn’t offer help for single dads. I was discouraged and disappointed, and felt like giving up. I decided to give it one last chance and Googled ‘helpful parenting programs for dads in Palm Beach County.’ The Triple P Program at Community Partners of South Florida came up, and I called them to set up an appointment. They referred me to their BRIDGES at Highland location for extra help, and that is when I called and spoke to the wonderful Miss Miriam.

She offered me insight and more help over the phone more than any other person I had called. She also gave me her location so I could meet her one-on-one to do my introduction to the program. However, at the time we were going to meet, I was caught at work and I missed my appointment. I was sure I had lost my opportunity to get help, but Miss Miriam did not give up on me. She was so kind when I called back. She gave me another chance and provided tips and steps to help me achieve my goals and stay in the program.

Working with the team at Community Partners of South Florida provided help that surpassed my expectations - amazing help - and because of their support I’ve been regularly attending their programs for over a year now. I’ve met so many wonderful people and feel supported and understood. Beyond all the great activities for the kids, the staff are guiding me through fatherhood, so my babies are growing well and are enjoying their childhood. Everyone is so loving and welcoming towards me. I get amazingly shy because I’m not used to it, but I do love it because it makes me feel better that someone else sees my hard work in trying to be the best dad.

The team is always there for us, anytime I need something. I am still looking for a permanent place for me and my kids to call home but know I am on my way.

"I have hope and support now. I look forward to every minute in the future that I can participate with Community Partners of South Florida and BRIDGES program because the support they have given me has been tremendous."

There are more families like mine who need help. I hope you will find it in your heart to donate to Community Partners of South Florida so they can help more people like me who unexpectedly found themselves in a difficult place in life. What happened to me could happen to anyone. The program and the team are here for them and anybody who is just like me, wanting a happy life for their children.

Many Blessings and Well Wishes to you all!

Drayton

--

We are here to help people like Drayton. But we need your help too! Please make a donation to Community Partners of South Florida today at cp-cto.org/donate 
Happy Holidays, and may your new year be filled with Many Blessings!