Share
1 of 8
Top 10 CNN Hero of 2016 Sheldon Smith's Chicago-based Dovetail Project gives young fathers such as himself the skills to be positive role models and responsible parents. SARA STATHAS for CNN
Smith, whose father was in and out of his life, vowed to stick around and care for his own child after a stint in jail. SARA STATHAS for CNN
Smith was inspired in part by President Barack Obama, who spoke in Chicago during his 2008 presidential campaign about the importance of fatherhood. SARA STATHAS for CNN
The project teaches concrete skills, Smith said. "We teach fathers parenting skills. We teach life skills, such as financial literacy. We take the fathers to the bank and show them how to open up bank accounts." SARA STATHAS for CNN
Graduating or earning a GED and supporting a family are important goals within the program, as is modeling positive behavior within the community. SARA STATHAS for CNN
"My goal when I started the Dovetail Project was to break the cycle. My father grew up without having his father around," Smith said. "The young men in the class -- they're seeking their identity because they don't know who they get that identify from." SARA STATHAS for CNN
More than 200 young fathers have completed the program. SARA STATHAS for CNN
The Dovetail Project aims to light the way for young fathers. "Fatherhood doesn't come with a map or a manual," Smith said. SARA STATHAS for CNN
