Breaking Barriers: Grace Haven’s First ‘Grad Dad’
Dressed in formal cap and gown, Keith Tilton strolls across the stage, smiling, confident, and proud, to accept his high school diploma while his girlfriend and family applaud with pride from the front row.
Keith, a 20-year-old father, faced immense challenges while striving to complete his high school diploma. Balancing studies and ensuring the best possible life for his daughter, Rosalie, born in March 2021, wasn’t easy. Keith left school at 16 to work and support his family, determined to provide stability and a bright future for his child.
“Being so young and realizing that if I’m going to do this, I have to put all my focus on doing it right,” Keith says. “When I found out I was having a daughter, I really wanted to step up, support her, and be there for her.”
Keith’s determination led him to The Salvation Army Grace Haven, a facility in Hamilton with a 128-year history of assisting young women. In all those years, there has never been a dad enrolled in any Grace Haven program. Keith’s participation marked a significant milestone for the agency, which had to adapt quickly to accommodate him.
“We have evolved to offer groundbreaking programs and services that were not available in the community before,” says Stephanie Amos, program manager at Grace Haven. “We are the only agency in Hamilton providing remote education for young parents, and without that availability, Keith and Kalthar would not have graduated from high school.”
The 2024 graduating class also included 19-year-old Kalthar Ismail, who completed her high school education while caring for her 11-month-old daughter, Amira. Grace Haven’s flexible and innovative teaching methods catered to her learning style, helping her overcome challenges she once thought insurmountable.
“Life for me today has me proud and happy for me and my baby because what I thought was not possible turned out to be possible,” Kalthar says. “Grace Haven provided me with help, support, and hope. My goals are to keep learning and studying. I will have my chance to do more with my life and build a better future for my daughter.”
Grace Haven partners with the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board, providing board-certified teachers to guide both moms and dads through their studies. This support system ensures nurturing care for participants’ children while the parents focus on their education.
In 2024, Grace Haven assisted 79 clients – 40 adults and 39 children – across various programs. The move to remote learning, driven by the pandemic, proved to be a successful adaptation, leading to increased enrollment.
“We now have students reaching out and other agencies referring clients to us,” says Stephanie. “Those agencies have witnessed the progress made at Grace Haven and are now taking steps to include dads in the parenting role.”
Stephanie says the 2024 graduating class continues Grace Haven’s long tradition of student success stories. As she addressed the graduates, her voice resonated with pride and admiration.
“High school is a challenge for any teenager, but when you’re a parent, it’s even more challenging due to the additional stresses,” she says. “Keith and Kalthar both faced many obstacles; they did not give up, and we’re extremely proud of their commitment to providing a better future for themselves and their children.”
Keith’s achievement as the first ‘Grad Dad’ at Grace Haven symbolizes a significant step forward in supporting young parents. His journey underscores the importance of graduating high school, not only for personal fulfillment but also to create a stable and promising future for their children.
Assist The Salvation Army in helping to improve the lives of people across Ontario by donating today at www.salvationarmy.ca or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
Kat Goegan photos
