Local dad group focuses on mental health

WESLACO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A local group is focusing on Valley dad's mental health by hosting meetings and creating support groups to allow men an opportunity to be heard.

Jesus T. Pena, founder of RGV Dads, started the support group in 2018. He said he began his support group because dads needed mental health check ins as well as their female counterparts.

Their next meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4 at Weslaco's Daily Grind, located at 409 S. Missouri Avenue.

During the meeting, single and married dads will focus on discussing three main questions and provide "Dadvise," a term Pena coined to express the advice fathers need to hear from each other to work through their parenting and life struggles.

Pena tells ValleyCentral that many families and participants have come forward with positive feedback from these meetings and that the support group has helped them navigate through difficult times.