Meet Delvyn Crawford | Responsible Fatherhood Family Life Coach I House Parent I Spoken Word & Music Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Delvyn Crawford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Delvyn, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
I believe the most important thing that I’ve done as a parent that has significantly impacted my children, is being present in every stage of their lives. Being present has demonstrated my loyalty and commitment, in which my children have a deep understanding that they’re considered precious, cherished, and valued in the eyes of their father.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a Preventative Facilitator for Youth, Fathers, and Families, I’ve had the privilege of facilitating programs that strengthen fathers and families within schools, community centers, juvenile detention centers, jails, and faith-based organizations. My primary objective is to provide innovative ways for people to get engaged within their community and connect them to resources that can assist them mentally, physically, economically, and spiritually.  As a House Parent for a local non-profit, I serve youth daily that come from backgrounds of neglect, abuse, and trauma.

I think my unique childhood experiences distinguish me from others, especially in how they connect with the individuals I support. Having eight of the ten Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), I’ve leveraged my own story to offer love, hope, and encouragement to those in need. I’ve found that the people I’ve assisted are less interested in my knowledge about their circumstances and more interested in whether I’ve faced similar challenges and how I’ve overcome them.

Seeing a child from the foster care system graduate high school, attend college, or secure employment is thrilling. It’s rewarding to work with teenage girls who have suffered abuse from a father figure and to hear them express appreciation for the way I treat my family. Engaging with boys labeled as troublemakers and listening to them share their challenges and life stories during a basketball game, weightlifting session, or hike is equally exhilarating. Children without a father figure statistically face greater risks of homelessness, school dropout, behavioral problems, and even suicidal tendencies. I am convinced that my purpose is to alter the course of a person’s life positively by demonstrating healthy perspectives through role-modeling, education, and guidance.

Before the titles, accolades, or anyone really knowing my name, I was just a little boy crying over things that were out of my control. I was surrounded by divorce, instability, violence, death, family issues, special education needs, abuse, and alcoholism. Observing my mother’s experience, I saw firsthand the challenges of being a single parent. The stress, depression, and anxiety that came with living in a shelter were intensified by the interactions with others residing there. I have seen the struggle to overcome drug and alcohol addiction through some of my family members’ experiences. As a child, I often pondered, “Why is the world so cold? Why is there pain, agony, and defeat? Why does the world endure such suffering and chaos?” Roughly a year after the divorce, my dad began attending church and became a member of the choir. Surprisingly, my dad’s life changed.  The changes my father made exemplified for me the essence of being a man, a husband, and a father.  Years after attending college, I had a revelation akin to my father’s that deeply changed my perspective on life.  I understood that everyone is endowed with “Free Will,” and our choices have the power to either uplift others or bring them down.

Humility, teachability, and a willingness to serve have been instrumental in my professional advancement. I find that there is both joy and purpose in serving others sincerely. This service has led numerous organizations to invite me to contribute to their initiatives, whether through speaking, performing, or conducting workshops. The most challenging aspect, I’ve found, is deciding which partnerships to pursue and which to decline. I came to understand that the existence of beneficial initiatives aiding people doesn’t automatically imply my involvement. To navigate the challenge of deciding on potential partnerships, I would seek guidance through prayer, discuss it with my wife, and then come to a decision.

I want the world to understand that a person’s life circumstances can dramatically transform if we choose to journey alongside them. This path requires dedication, commitment, and sacrifice; however, I am convinced that showing love to others, irrespective of their culture, creed, or ethnicity, holds the potential to deliver healing, restoration, and hope to those in need.

As a Responsible Fatherhood Family Life Coach, I hold certifications to teach a variety of evidence-based curricula. Delvyn, an author, and poet, has been certified by the National Partnership for Community Leadership. He devises innovative ways to engage individuals in their communities and links them with resources that support their physical, economic, cultural, and spiritual well-being. Additionally, Delvyn is a multi-media communicator and musician, employing various mediums to spread a message of hope centered on family, faith, community, and love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
PLACES:

Sunday –
Gates Pass

Monday –
Biosphere 2 University of Arizona

Tuesday –
The Dunbar Pavillion

Wednesday –
City Murals – Drive to as many murals to take pictures

Thursday –
Catilina State Park – Hiking

Friday –
Pima Air & Space Museum

Saturday –
A Mountain

FOOD

Sunday –
Seis Kitchen on Oracle Rd.

Monday –
Tumerico

Tuesday –
D’s Island Grill JA

Wednesday –
Mr. An’s Teppan Steak & Seafood

Thursday –
HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery

Friday –
Baja Cafe

Saturday –
Ken’s Hardwood BBQ

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wish to express my gratitude to all the men and women of faith who have selflessly sown seeds in my heart, aiding in my growth as the person I am today. These individuals have prioritized the needs of others, working with love, servitude, generosity, and thankfulness. Each one has shone as a beacon of light, enriching the lives of others, and serving the community with dedication, using their bestowed gifts, talents, and skills. A special shoutout to my parents for instilling in me the value of resilience and the belief that one’s past does not determine their future. An extra special shoutout to my wife Nadja for her deep love and unwavering support in all my pursuits. To every pastor, event organizer, school principal, elected official, educator, police chief, and non-profit organization that has invited me to speak, conduct evidence-based programs, or present Spoken-Word & Music, I am thankful for your trust in me to make a positive impact on those you oversee. Finally, a shoutout to my sons Cade & Cyrus for holding me accountable and constantly reminding me that my role as a father is my foremost duty, service, and purpose.

Website: www.delvyn.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delvyncrawford/