FREDERIKSTED, St. Croix, USVI — The Virgin Islands Department of Justice (DOJ), through its Paternity and Child Support Division (PSCD) Access & Visitation Program (AVP), announces the launch of Empowered Fatherhood™, a six-week group series designed to strengthen the capacity of fathers to show up with purpose, presence, and practical skills. This initiative is made possible through a partnership between the Access & Visitation Program and Greater Changes, LLC, a licensed behavioral health agency based in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which will facilitate the free program services.
Sessions will be held on Saturdays beginning July 18, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the Bright Path Wellness Center, located within Marley Homes & Additions in Frederiksted. Participants may also join virtually via Zoom, expanding access to fathers across St. Croix and beyond.
About Empowered Fatherhood™
Empowered Fatherhood™ is a trademark-pending curriculum developed by Greater Changes, LLC, grounded in the belief that fathers continue to grow throughout their parenting journey. The series brings together fathers in a supportive, judgment-free environment to explore what it means to be present, engaged, and empowered in the lives of their children.
Weekly sessions focus on three core pillars:
- Community Building — Creating authentic connection among fathers navigating similar experiences
- Connection & Presence — Deepening the father-child relationship through intentional engagement
- Practical Skills — Tools for co-parenting communication, emotional regulation, and building stronger family bonds
“The AVP is committed to strengthening families by providing opportunities that empower parents to build meaningful relationships with their children,” said Dr. Sharon Jackson-McDonald, AVP Administrator. “Our partnership with Greater Changes allows us to provide fathers in St. Croix with valuable education and resources that promote responsible parenting, improve family engagement, and ultimately contribute to better outcomes for children across the Virgin Islands. The Department recognizes that engaged fathers play a vital role in the emotional, social, and developmental well-being of their children. By partnering with trusted community organizations like Greater Changes, the Access and Visitation Program continues to expand access to quality services that help families thrive.”
The series is facilitated by Tarik McMillan, LPC, CCTS-I, a licensed professional counselor and certified complex trauma specialist. McMillan brings a relational, strengths-based approach to each session, creating a space where fathers can learn, reflect, and grow alongside one another. “Fatherhood is one of the most powerful forces for change in any community. Empowered Fatherhood™ was created to give fathers the space, the tools, and the community they need to step fully into that role. We are grateful to the Access & Visitation Program for making this possible,” said Tamara Mohammed, Co-Owner & Clinical Director of Greater Changes, LLC.
How to Participate
Registration is open now. Fathers interested in participating may register online at:
https://form.jotform.com/Greater_mail550/empoweredfatherhood
Series Dates: Saturdays, July 18 – August 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM
Location: Bright Path Wellness Center, Marley Homes & Additions, Frederiksted, St. Croix (virtual attendance available via Zoom)
About the Access & Visitation Program (AVP)
The Access & Visitation Program is administered by the Paternity and Child Support Division of the Virgin Islands Department of Justice. The program supports initiatives that strengthen family relationships and promote meaningful parent-child engagement.
About Greater Changes, LLC
Greater Changes LLC is a licensed behavioral health agency based in the U.S. Virgin Islands, dedicated to building stronger individuals, families, and communities through culturally responsive mental health services, wellness programming, and capacity building initiatives. The Bright Path Wellness Center in Frederiksted serves as the home base for Greater Changes’ community programming.
Contact:
Greater Changes, LLC
Phone: 833-409-3474
Email: mail@greaterchangesllc.com
Website: www.greaterchangesllc.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2026
Sandra Goomansingh
Media Relations Director
(340)774-5666 ext. 10105
Email: Sandra.goomansingh@doj.vi.gov