Transforming Families: The Power of Fatherhood Support

Written by Danielle Fletcher

In honor of Father’s Day, we sat down with Rafael Sandrea, one of our Fatherhood Program Specialists, to learn about the life-changing work happening in our community. 

Rafael Sandrea knows that being a father isn’t always easy—and that every dad deserves support. As a Fatherhood Program Specialist, he’s dedicated his career to helping fathers strengthen their parenting skills and build deeper connections with their children. 

“The need is very large, but not everybody knows about our program,” Rafael explains. What many don’t realize is that their fatherhood program is open to all fathers, regardless of their circumstances. “This program doesn’t require that you have any issues related to domestic violence. It’s for anybody who just simply wants to work on and improve on their parenting skills or improve on their relationships with their kids.” 

Rafael and his team work with 20 to 30 fathers at any given time through weekly one-on-one sessions, delivering about 2,000 hours of direct support annually. But the reach extends far beyond those numbers. “When we are serving the fathers, we are also benefiting not just the father, but we’re benefiting the lives of their children and the relationships that they have with their partners or spouse,” Rafael notes. “You’re actually helping the whole family even when you help one person.” 

A Father and Son’s Journey of Transformation 

For Rafael, the true measure of success isn’t found in statistics—it’s in the stories of transformation that unfold over months of dedicated work. One case stands out as particularly meaningful. 

Last December, a father came to Rafael seeking help with his son, a child with ADHD and special learning needs who was struggling on multiple fronts. The boy hated school, faced weekly discipline issues both at home and in the classroom, had no friends, and regularly exploded with uncontrolled emotions. The family was caught in a cycle of fighting and frustration, unsure how to help their child succeed. 

For five months, Rafael worked hand-in-hand with this dedicated father, focusing on discipline strategies, emotional regulation techniques, and specialized approaches for supporting a child with ADHD. Together, they navigated the unique challenges that come with raising a child with special needs. 

The transformation that followed was remarkable. 

Today, that same child who once dreaded school now enjoys going to class. His teachers speak well of him. The weekly discipline issues have virtually disappeared, both at school and at home. He’s learned to regulate his emotions and has formed friendships not just in his own classroom, but throughout the school. The constant tension that once filled their home has lifted, replaced by a sense of peace and connection. 

“His life has improved tremendously and the tension at home has decreased tremendously,” Rafael reflects. “To me that was a really good and very gratifying experience.” 

In just five months, what began as a family in crisis became a story of hope, healing, and the profound impact that happens when fathers receive the support they need to become the parents they want to be. For Rafael, cases like these remind him why this work matters—because behind every father they serve is a family whose entire future can be transformed. 

Contact a Fatherhood Specialist at SAFE

Contact our fatherhood specialists at fatherhood@safeaustin.org or (512) 264-4100.

If you or someone you care about is interested in taking our fatherhood classes, please fill out our Referral Form.