The Power of Prevention

When people think of community programs, they often imagine support offered after a crisis—counseling after violence, job training after unemployment, or services for families already in distress. But not all programs are reactive. Prevention-based programs strengthen skills and relationships before problems occur, creating healthier families and communities in the long run.

Think of it this way—when a hurricane ravages a city, it’s inspiring to see how people mobilize to fix the situation. We join together to rebuild homes, run donation drives, and relocate families. We delight in coming together to alleviate tragedy—but what if instead of addressing the aftermath, we could prevent the hurricane altogether? 

It’s not a miracle– it’s prevention!

Prevention-based programs are designed to address problems before they happen. Instead of waiting to respond after harm occurs, these programs aim to strengthen individuals, families, and communities in ways that reduce the likelihood of negative outcomes.

At Fathers & Families Coalition of Utah (FFCU), many of our programs—like Building Up Respect (BUR), Power Through Mentoring (PTM), and the Nurturing Fathers Program—fall under this category. They focus on skills like healthy relationship building, financial literacy, parenting, and emotional connection, which all reduce the risks of larger issues such as sexual violence, family instability, or poverty.

You might notice that our team doesn’t just call themselves “educators” or “mentors.” Instead, we use the title Prevention Specialist Educator. According to WGU, a prevention specialist is a professional who reduces the incidence of negative social issues through education, outreach, and program development. They implement evidence-based strategies that make communities safer and healthier.

That’s exactly what our staff do every day—taking a proactive approach that equips people with tools to avoid harm before it occurs.

Why Prevention Is Just as Important

Prevention doesn’t usually make headlines. A young person who avoids unhealthy relationships or a father who learns to connect deeply with his child won’t be splashed across the evening news. Yet, these quiet changes create ripple effects—leading to healthier families, safer neighborhoods, and stronger futures.

At the FFCU, we believe investing in prevention is one of the most effective ways to create lasting impact. But you don’t have to just take it from us— research shows again and again the power of prevention; here’s how some of our programs are making change possible: 

How FFCU Programs are Making a Difference

Our relationship and development programs, such as Building Uplifting Relationships (BUR) and Pathways to Manhood (PTM) teach respect, consent, healthy masculinity & boundaries before problems arise. 

• Research shows that prevention strategies work: a systematic review of 140 outcome evaluations found evidence-based approaches can significantly reduce the risk of sexual violence perpetration (Poverty Action Lab).

Through the Jobs Work Program, youth gain employment and financial skills early, preparing them for adulthood. Studies show this type of intervention reduces long-term barriers:

• In Chicago, youth in a summer jobs program had 45% fewer violent-crime arrests in the first year compared to peers (OJJDP).
• In Boston, summer job participants were 7% more likely to graduate high school on time and 22% less likely to drop out, with a benefit-cost ratio of more than 2-to-1 (Education Next).
  

Our Nurturing Fathers Program equips men to meet their own needs and the needs of their children. Research consistently shows that father involvement leads to:

• Improved social skills, academic achievement, and emotional well-being in children (ACF).
• Lower rates of aggression and conduct problems, and better emotional regulation (PubMed).
  

Fathers who learn positive parenting skills today are building stronger families for generations to come.

Prevention may not look dramatic, but it transforms lives. A young person avoiding an unhealthy relationship or a father learning to nurture his child is part of a quiet revolution—one that creates healthier families, safer neighborhoods, and brighter futures.

At FFCU, we are proud to invest in prevention because we know it works. The power of prevention is not just about avoiding harm; it’s about building something stronger, healthier, and lasting for the future.