Tai Thergood’s Roots to Recovery Testimonial

My name is Tai Thergood, a single father of four from Connecticut. Growing up without a father, I aspired to a career in hip-hop, but the responsibilities of fatherhood and child support redirected my path.

Over time, I faced three interventions from the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF). During the first, my demanding 80-hour workweeks as a security guard left me unaware of issues at home, leading to my child’s removal without significant paternal involvement. In the second instance, my frustration was misinterpreted as aggression, hindering reunification efforts. Determined to change, I secured independent housing and advocated for my rights, but reunification was delayed due to perceived inadequacies in my living situation.

The third intervention marked a turning point. Collaborating with my mentor, Sal Hanaif of the Family Re-Entry Fatherhood Program, I gained the tools to effectively advocate for myself. I often liken Sal’s influence to that of Cus D’Amato, the renowned boxing trainer who mentored Mike Tyson; Sal saw my potential and guided me through challenging times. This support led to the joyful return of my children. I now share my experiences to help improve the system for other fathers, encouraging men in similar situations to focus on mental, spiritual, and parental growth.