News Summary
Pastor Timothy Johnson of the World Outreach Center in Orlando, Florida, has created the ‘Fatherless No More’ initiative aimed at helping young men become better fathers. His program has received national recognition following discussions on morning shows and the premiere of a documentary that emphasizes the struggles of fatherless youth. The documentary showcases the transformative stories from a basketball program at Rikers Island, which has significantly lowered inmate violence. Johnson’s dedication is further highlighted by his commitment to living close to the initiative’s site, reflecting his passion for fostering positive change.
Orlando, Florida – Senior pastor Timothy Johnson of the World Outreach Center is gaining national recognition for his initiative titled “Fatherless No More.” This program aims to support men in becoming better fathers and leading positive lives, primarily focusing on young men who grew up without father figures. As part of this initiative, Johnson runs a successful basketball program at Rikers Island in New York, which has been credited with lowering violence within the jail.
Johnson’s efforts have drawn attention recently when he discussed the “Fatherless No More” initiative on a national morning show. The initiative specifically seeks to assist young men by providing them with guidance, mentorship, and resources as they deal with the challenges associated with fatherlessness.
The culmination of Johnson’s work can be seen in the documentary titled “Fatherless No More,” which premiered on April 12 at the Florida Film Festival. The 86-minute film, co-directed by Johnson’s daughter Kayla Johnson and filmmaker Ashly Robinson, won the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the festival. The documentary captures the raw stories of young men at Rikers Island, highlighting their struggles and life experiences shaped by the absence of father figures.
In preparation for the documentary, Johnson and Robinson began documenting the initiative in late 2023. The film emphasizes crucial themes such as vulnerability, compassion, and the emotional burdens carried by young men due to fatherlessness. It showcases the importance of emotional expression in a setting where incarcerated youth often feel pressured to conceal their feelings. One of the young men featured in the film, named Cory, articulates feelings of worthlessness stemming from his father’s absence, which deeply resonates throughout the documentary.
Additionally, the film strives to highlight the humanity of the incarcerated youth rather than focusing on their crimes. It portrays how faith and divine forgiveness play significant roles in their lives, offering hope amid challenging circumstances. Johnson’s deep commitment to this cause is evident, as he lives in an RV behind the Rikers gates while actively working on the initiative.
The documentary also benefits from the support of notable figures connected to the Johnson family. Among them is Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony and gospel artist CeCe Winans, who assisted in funding the film. Their involvement underscores the collaborative spirit behind the project and its reach beyond regional efforts.
As of now, Johnson and Robinson are in negotiations with various production companies and streaming platforms to distribute the documentary more widely. They are committed to sharing their message with a broader audience and inspiring others to engage with challenging subjects through film.
Moreover, the “Fatherless No More” initiative encourages aspiring filmmakers to pursue their projects despite obstacles, emphasizing the importance of faith and perseverance in the creative process. Johnson’s initiative and the accompanying documentary stand as a beacon of hope for many, illustrating that positive change is achievable through dedication and community support.
The recognition of Timothy Johnson’s work transcends his community in Orlando, impacting lives across the nation and shining a light on the struggles faced by young men in similar situations. Through the “Fatherless No More” initiative and the documentary, Johnson seeks to foster healing and understanding, paving the way for a brighter future for those affected by fatherlessness.
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Additional Resources
- WFTV: Orlando Pastor’s Fatherless No More Initiative
- Andscape: Fatherless No More Interview
- Orlando Sentinel: Unexplained Payments
- Fox 5 DC: Kayla Johnson’s Documentary
- Black Girl Nerds: American Black Film Festival Lineup
- Wikipedia: Fatherlessness
- Google Search: Fatherless Initiatives
- Google Scholar: Fatherlessness Documentary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fatherlessness
- Google News: Fatherless No More
