Founder of The Dovetail Project Shares How His Troubled Upbringing Became a Catalyst for Developing the Largest Fatherhood Initiative in the U.S. in People Magazine
Dec 5, 2022
Sheldon Smith, the founder of The Dovetail Project, a 501(c)(3) organization that gives young fathers within marginalized communities a better understanding of the responsibilities of fatherhood and their importance in the lives of their children, is featured in the 2022 'People of the Year' issue of People Magazine, out now. This issue features a two-page article highlighting Smith's inspirational story of how he went from being charged as an adult for armed robbery at the age of 17 to building a successful nonprofit program that provides young Black and Brown men the necessary resources they need to become better fathers.
Smith's organization, The Dovetail Project, rewrites the narrative of Black and Brown men between the ages of 17 to 24 by providing the education, skills, and support needed to be better fathers for their children and better men in their communities. The Dovetail Project's 12-week curriculum emphasizes the roles, rights and responsibilities of fatherhood, felony street law and how to maintain an active, engaged presence in their children's lives. Upon completing the program, fathers receive a $500 stipend, are coached and prepared for job opportunities, GED registration and completion, or enrollment in a trade training program.
In the article, Smith shares his experience growing up with an absent father and how it led him to spiral out of control. As a result, he was thrown into Cook County jail at the age of 17 but was able to overcome that adversity and receive a second chance. Today, Smith has helped nearly 600 young men become better fathers and built the nation's largest nonprofit fatherhood initiative.
In People Magazine, he states, "I wanted to break the cycle." After becoming a father at the age of 21, he never wanted his daughter to feel the loss that he felt with his father.
Sheldon Smith and The Dovetail Project have been recognized by prominent figures such as Michelle Obama in addition to national media features on the TODAY Show, ELLEN, CNN, Forbes, BBC, Chicago Tribune, Black Enterprise and more.
Smith and The Dovetail Project recently celebrated its 6th annual Turkeys and Trees Giveaway event to Chicago families through The Dovetail Project Fatherhood Relief Fund, an initiative of the Dovetail Project, with support from generous leading sponsors Roquan Smith (former #58 Chicago Bears, current #18 Baltimore Ravens), Chicago Bulls, Belvedere Trading, and the Rosdal Family.
Smith hopes to inspire young fathers and future nonprofit leaders when readers view his piece in People Magazine.
The Dovetail Project can be seen on pages 108 and 109 in the 'People of the Year' print issue and is online at www.people.com.
To learn more about The Dovetail Project, visit www.thedovetailproject.org.
Contact Information:
LaQuita Washington
Director of Media Engagement
[email protected]
312-560-6111
Press Release Service by Newswire.com
Original Source: Founder of The Dovetail Project Shares How His Troubled Upbringing Became a Catalyst for Developing the Largest Fatherhood Initiative in the U.S. in People Magazine
More News
Uber to Pay $40 Million to Parents of Woman Fatally Hit by Car
Emily Normandin-Parker, 23, was struck and killed on a California freeway after an Uber driver ordered her and a friend out of his car in August 2023.
BizDataDive: How fresh produce connects two agricultural powerhouses
China-US farm trade hit $14.1 billion in the first half of 2026 — that's around $78 million worth agricultural produce crossing the Pacific every day. From American soybeans in China's soy milk to Chinese garlic on US supermarket shelves, one table feeds two nations.
Lib Dems vow to end 'computer says no' economy to boost growth
Deputy leader Daisy Cooper also proposes a Growth and Defence Partnership with the EU in a speech to her party conference.
BizDataDive: Why does a new drug require joint R&D?
In this episode, we explore why drug development knows no borders.
Explainer: Where do China-US economic and trade ties stand?
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is leading a delegation to the United States for economic and trade consultations with the US side from September 19 to 23.
Billionaire Man United owner loses moral high ground after tax exile, Labour chair says
The billionaire businessman told the BBC he has lost confidence in the UK due to a combination of high taxes and high immigration.
US debt, physical constraints, and the restructuring of global capital
Global monetary tightening, energy supply disruptions and trade policy changes are creating structural cost pressures and capital reallocations across the global economy. These pressures are accelerating shifts toward local-currency financing, alternative debt markets and industrial transformation, particularly across emerging economies.
What to Do If You’re Laid Off and Too Young for Medicare
At best, older, laid-off workers will struggle to find health insurance that bridges the years before they qualify for Medicare at age 65.
Chiltern Railways renationalised after 30 years
It joins Great British Railways as part of government plans to save money and improve services.
China‑ASEAN economic cooperation benefits the world
Closer economic integration between China and ASEAN is unlocking greater growth potential. The ongoing upgrading of the China‑ASEAN free‑trade framework will further boost trade, bringing benefits to the world, according to Rosdiana Murtiningsih, Indonesia's alternate permanent representative to the FAO.
Family shares hidden cost of cancer care
Maya, 13, from Hythe in Kent, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when she was three.
In China, A.I. Is Moving Forward While the Economy Lags Behind
As Xi Jinping arrives in the United States this week for a state visit, China’s advances in artificial intelligence will be in the air. Less discussed: China’s economy in its worst shape in decades.
YOUR NEWS, OUR NETWORK.
Do you have Great News you want to tell the world?
Be it updates about your business or your community, you can make sure that it’s heard by submitting your story to our network reaching hundreds of news sites across 6 verticals.