Demetrius Chamblee was raised by his grandparents, until his grandfather passed away when he was 14.
“I have the greatest respect for my grandfather who worked full time at Pratt & Whitney and drove a school bus for over 30 years. He had taught me everything I needed to know about being a good father and devoted husband,” he said. But after he passed, “I felt a big void in my life. My compass my guide about how to be a man had disappeared. And I began to go down the wrong path. I was so lucky that, at the age of 20, I met a lovely lady who is now my wife.”
Shortly after his son, Demetrius, was born, his wife, LaToya signed up for a home-visiting program that provides guidance and resources to parents to help them foster the healthy development of their child.
“The Rambuh Family Center and fatherhood program at The Village helped me and my family grow to where we are at a really great place. I know I couldn’t have done it without them. As a result of being in this program, my son had a head start in school and reads way above his grade level. My wife has always had the village of families to fall back on to help with child development, parenting and her personal goals.”
“And for me, I’ve been reassured that my presence in my home as a father really matters. It has helped me become an active listener, which helps both my wife and my son know that I care and respect what they have to say,” said Demetrius.
Demetrius shared his story with the 100 golfers who participated in the Foursomes for Fatherhood golf tournament on June 9, 2014. The golfers gave Demetrius a standing ovation, showing their respect for his story and gratitude for his sharing it with them.